A flooded boundary fence and tree line at the Ohaaki Wetlands.

Despite dire forecasts of rain an optimistic crowd of walkers set off for the Ohaaki Wetlands.

Fortunately, the weather dampened neither our spirits nor us.

The track from the road appeared freshly mowed so it was an easy walk to the mostly rain-fed pond banked by a manmade bund.

This bund separates the pond from the effects of fluctuating Waikato River levels. The bund was completed after only five months of earthworks, although the prior consultation process took considerably longer, and the wetlands were officially opened to the public in late 2012.

Ngāti Tahu-Ngāti Whaoa Runanga Trust retain kaitiakitanga over the 36ha area and co-manage the area with Fish and Game under a conservation covenant.

Thousands of native plants have been planted, including now flourishing harakeke, to provide a natural habitat and breeding area for waterfowl, rare, endangered and other birds, insects, frogs and geckos.

The harakeke was wet and tall but we brushed down side tracks to the water’s edge to catch sight of idling weweia, or dabchicks, pūtangitangi or paradise ducks and mallards.

A group of pied stilts with their delicate looking legs picked their way through the shallows searching for insects while a solitary white-faced heron kept its distance.

A pair of kahu or Australasian harriers swooped and circled over the vegetation searching for prey.

Hidden amongst the planting on the high bund we found the hide. Harakeke had all but obscured the viewing window but a very informative coloured panel named and portrayed the birds that have been seen in the wetlands.

We could only envy those who saw or heard a bittern or a kōtuku-ngutupapa or royal spoonbill.

Monday Walkers explore the tranquil wetlands

Detecting a faint path between the greenery on the riverside bank we found a well camouflaged, immaculate maimai, complete with rubber flooring.

Later we followed a boundary fence to the river. Old fence posts and a dying shelter belt of trees partially submerged in the river demonstrated the subsidence that has occurred in the area.

This is a wonderful and easy place to visit and a great credit to Contact Energy, Fish and Game, DOC and iwi.

A word of caution though, this is a permitted only hunting area and is to be avoided in the duck shooting season of May and June.

We continued the duck theme by visiting a private property where ducks reign supreme and protected, and the autumn leaves were in full glorious reds, yellows and mellow browns.

Rainbow trout in the pond and eels in the river, what an idyllic spot.

The fairy tale theme continued with a trail of bright red, white speckled scarlet flycaps brightening a shady dell.

Their presence drew our attention to tiny ruby bonnets, also members of the agaric fungal family.

In contrast to the agarics gay colours were the slippery jacks. Slimy capped and mottled in muted browns they looked like a small tortoise amongst the fallen leaves. We lingered after our walk, reluctant to leave such a tranquil site.

This was a morning of exploration, colour and recognition of the labour and generosity of people, who individually and in formal and informal associations work to repair and enhance habitats and allow us to share the results.

Next week we have a short walk out of town. If you would like more information about our group, please email walkersmondaytaupo@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook at ‘Taupo Monday Walkers’.