Otipua Wetland

Otipua Wetland

Otipua Wetland
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles21 reviews
Excellent
11
Very good
8
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0

Gretel
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Be aware that access is now temporarily, from either the south side of theroad bridge on King street (head east toward the sea.)

Or
you can walk to the track from the public carpark on Collins St. Go across the large field sea-ward, and follow the gravel walking track.Then, after about 10 mins, cross the timber foot bridge. From here you can go onto beach for a look or carry on across the boardwalk and around the wetland, There are nice places to sit and even a picnic table on the highest part of the track with a great view on the south side of the creek. Its an easy walk with only slight uphill parts.
Written 26 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dave S
New Zealand18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2018 • Business
It is great what volunteers have done here in recreating the native bush, birds and restoring this wetland habitat for all.
Written 13 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Joanne T
Timaru, New Zealand24 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2017 • Friends
A great place to walk and see birds with great coastline nearby
Can continue walking to hacks point with great coastal views
Written 17 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mooseandbok2006
Christchurch, New Zealand1,597 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2015 • Couples
We were down from Christchurch for the weekend and found out about this walk on Tripadvisor. Unfortunately nowhere does it mention that Otipua Wetland is right next to the city rubbish dump. We didn’t have to walk too far before we noticed the overpowering smell and started to see the beginning of plastic bags and other bits of litter in between the bushes and floating in the water. There are high fences around the dump to help keep the litter inside but there are also areas of the fence that need to be repaired where the rubbish is getting through. We were lucky and spotted quite a variety of birdlife, many with their recently hatched ducklings, it’s just a pity these babies will know nothing other than growing up surrounded by litter. I have to say as a New Zealander I was really embarrassed, we’re supposed to have this ‘clean, green image’ that everyone comes to our country for, but at this particular spot it couldn’t be further from the truth. Don’t get me wrong, it is a lovely walk and a wonderful place to spot all the birdlife, but the council definitely needs to get out there and clean the mess up!
Written 16 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lowkindae11
Victoria, Canada12 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2015 • Solo
This walk is great. The wetlands are quite lovely but be prepared to spend a few hours on the trail. You can take connecting trails to Centennial Park or Patti Point if you're feeling ambitious.
Written 28 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

430Eleanorm
Timaru, New Zealand33 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2015
My husband and I decided to walk the wet lands this last week end having not been there for quite along time. We entered the wet lands on the right hand side of Salt Water Creek. The native bush has grown quite tall and made a pleasant walk. The tracks are even with few up hill climbs, these are easy if taken easily. The area was waste ground when a group of people decided to take care of it and turn it into native wet lands. Salt water creek runs adjacent to the Wet Lands, supplying the water. There are has many different types of birds, Spoon Bills. White and white faced herons. Black swans, Canada Geese. Plovers. Pied Stilts. Scaup. Paradise ducks and many more. Beside land birds. which inhabit the bush. Of course each season must bring different birds.
We needed good walking shoes. On a sunny day it would be Hats. Shirt and sun lotion. cameras, even binoculars. Bottle of water. We were there at least 1 1/2 hrs. Not sure about dogs.
There are another two Nature walks in this area. These two areas are suitable for cycling Dogs are allowed here but on a lead. These areas are suitable for Push Chairs,Eleanor
Written 11 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nigel S
Lightwater, UK5,125 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
We walked from our Costal Ridge apartment, through the Botanical gardens, through a fantastic cemetary and onto Hector's Coastal track which winds it way through the wetlands. A large range of birdlife were present, but sadly the track was closed off due to the presnce of gas from the landfill.
Written 25 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mary-Jane K
10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2018 • Family
The wetlands have been painstakingly restored by local volunteers such as Rotary, and the result is a wonderful habitat for birds. Bring your binoculars and identification guide as you will see and hear a range of birds on and off the water. As the native plantings take hold, more and more native birds are finding a home among the walking and cycling tracks. You'll see plenty of locals enjoying the atmosphere!
Written 23 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Smiley N
Waimate, New Zealand14 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2018 • Family
Lovely views of native plants and waterbodies, lots of interesting varied kinds of birds. Lots of friendly walkers, joggers and a few cyclists.
Wear gumboots if exploring side paths, the main paths are very well gravelled, some of the smaller pathways off to the side get a bit boggy and muddy, probably flood damage after very recent rains.
It’s exciting seeing the new plantings, we could only see the marker flags but in months and years to come we will enjoy watching how new growth changes the area.
There are some good information sign panels dotted around, a few need replacement.
Sometimes the wind blows the smell from the local dump which is not lovely, but the views and sights around the wetland more than compensate.
Written 18 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tamzin E
6 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2017 • Couples
We often take afternoon walks to the ocean through the wetlands. There is so many places to explore and beautiful sunsets can be seen from here. It's so calming and feels like you are getting out of town, even though it's very close to town.
Written 19 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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OTIPUA WETLAND (2025) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)

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