Te Whenua Ora

Te Whenua Ora is a conservation project on the main road to Little River from Christchurch. The land consists of 550ha on the shores of Te Roto O Wairewa (Lake Forsyth) managed by High Bare Peak Ltd. It spans sea level wetlands to subalpine tussock culminating at the summit of High Bare Peak (756m). Damp south-facing gullies provide refuge to remnants of the original forest cover and contrast with drier north-facing slopes above the township of Little River. The former have been identified in the Christchurch District Plan as a recommended area for protection (RAP) and Te Roto O Wairewa as an area of ecological significance.

Te Whenua Ora also offers outstanding views over Little River, Te Roto O Wairewa, Kaitorete spit and the Southern Alps beyond. Its proximity to Little River township, the Rail Trail and the highway linking Christchurch and Akaroa, means it has significant potential for outdoor recreation.

Conservation and Restoration

A primary goal for the owners of Te Whenua Ora is to conserve and restore the orignal flora and fauna of this part of Banks Peninsula in perpetuity. In doing so, we hope to provide direct and indirect benefits to the local community such as improved water quality and birdlife.

We also would like to share this land in future by developing opportunities for recreation which are sympathetic with our primary goal and by working with like-minded groups in our community.