Ka Whata Tu O Rakihouia Conservation Park

Ka Whata Tu O Rakihouia Conservation Park
Kowhai River in the Kaikoura Ranges
Interactive map of Ka Whata Tu O Rakihouia Conservation Park
LocationKaikōura District
Nearest cityKaikōura
Coordinates42°23′08″S 173°26′57″E / 42.385464°S 173.449069°E / -42.385464; 173.449069
Area88,065 hectares (217,610 acres)
Established2008
Governing bodyDepartment of Conservation

Ka Whata Tu O Rakihouia Conservation Park is a protected area covering part of the Seaward Kaikoura Range. It is located between Kaikōura and Clarence in the Kaikōura District and Canterbury Region of New Zealand's South Island.[1]

The main breeding colony of the endangered Hutton's shearwater is located in the headwaters of the Kowhai River. The area of the colony is protected as the Mount Uwerau Nature Reserve. This is a strict nature reserve of 1,102 ha (2,720 acres) within the Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Conservation Park where no public access is permitted.[2][3]

The park is managed by the New Zealand Department of Conservation.[1]

Geography

The park covers 88,065 hectares (217,610 acres).[4][1]

History

The park was established in 2008.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b c "DOC Profile". doc.govt.nz. Department of Conservation.
  2. ^ "Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Conservation Park hunting". Department of Conservation. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  3. ^ "LINZ Data Service". Land Information New Zealand. napalis_id 2803347. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  4. ^ a b Nathan, Simon. "National and conservation parks". Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Ministry for Culture and Heritage.