Let’s Explore

Otatara is a great place to explore our natural environment and it’s right our doorstep!

Find out where you can go exploring with your family and check out our great resources to learn about the range of life that lives here – native plants, birds, insects and more.

Where you can explore

Bushy Point Restoration Area – Bryson Road

Where

Carpark at no-exit end of Bryson Road

What you’ll find

Easy walking grass track with views of estuary
Interpretation panels
Self-guided walk leaflet (PDF, 2.58 MB)
Picnic tables
Planting areas
Pond
Nature Trail (PDF, 433.62 kB)
No toilet facilities
Dogs allowed on leads

For much more information about all the activities and work being done at Bushy Point see the Bushy Point section of this website Bushy Point Restoration

How far?

Allow about an hour return to walk the track – longer to stop for views and a picnic.

Otatara Scenic Reserve – Dunns Road

Where

Carpark on Dunns Road

What you’ll find

Well-gravelled loop track
Toilet
Bush walk
Interpretation panel and map

How far?

Allow about an hour return to walk the track.

Let’s Explore activities

Have a go and have fun! Use our Who did that? and Activity Cards to learn more about what lives in Otatara.

Who did that?

Has 7 mystery objects and key questions to ask yourself. Answer cards are also provided.

Download as PDF (PDF, 895.22 kB)

Activity Cards

Introduce simple games and activities designed to increase awareness and enjoyment of our environment. There are 8 activities - allow about 15 minutes for each one.

Download as PDF (PDF, 1.17 MB)

Anyone can use these activities. Print them off and have a go! Take them on your next family outing or use them to enhance your school/kindy trip to the outdoors.

Other activities

Native Plants

Learn more about native plants in Otatara:

Leaf Bingo (PDF, 1.54 MB) - see if you can match our bingo cards with trees you’ll find in Otatara
Leaf Bingo (Māori Uses) (PDF, 1.50 MB) – find out how Māori use native plants