Tauranga City Council

Matua Saltmarsh

This walkway takes you through a beautiful natural saltmarsh that has permanent protection for its ecological value to Tauranga.

WALKING TIME

10 - 15 minutes through the saltmarsh

The Matua Saltmarsh walkway from Fergusson Park links to Otumoetai Intermediate School and the neighbouring college through Tilby and Sylvania Drive in Matua.

Within this link is the Matua Saltmarsh. This walkway is regularly used by pedestrians and cyclists, especially school children, as a shortcut to schools, shops and recreational activities. The car park and entrance to the saltmarsh is in Sylvania Drive, Matua. There is also an access way from Hall Road. The Matua Saltmarsh is a coastal wetland of approximately 21 hectares in size. This area is home to a diverse range of plant, insect, fish and bird life. Two birds in particular, the North Island Fernbird and Banded Rail are thriving in the environment that has been created here. The former is a regionally threatened species, the latter is nationally threatened.

Tauranga City Council coordinates a management team for this area which includes several important restoration and development works at the saltmarsh. There are interpretation panels in this area.

No dogs are allowed.