Restoring an Ancient Forest.Reconnecting a Community.
Project Peel is a charitable trust dedicated to the ecological restoration and protection of Peel Forest. Through hands-on conservation and community education, we're ensuring this precious ecosystem thrives for generations to come.
Peel Forest, Right Now
A live view from the reserve, paired with on-the-ground temperature, the day's forecast, sun and light times, and any active weather warnings.
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Live temperature
In Peel Forest Village
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Feels
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Humidity
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Wind
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Live camera and on-site temperature from the Project Peel sensors. Forecast and air quality from Open-Meteo; sun and light times from sunrise-sunset.org — always check official sources such as MetService before heading into the backcountry.
Environmental Data
Live forecast, daylight, air, rainfall and river conditions for the Peel Forest area.
Love what you see? Help protect it.
Every dollar goes straight into predator control, native planting, and maintaining the tracks — and this live camera — so Peel Forest and your window into it keep thriving for generations to come.
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A Sanctuary of Ancient Forest
Discover a remarkable natural sanctuary covering approximately 770 hectares, established in 1909. This reserve protects one of South Canterbury's last precious remnants of ancient podocarp forest. It features a diverse landscape, rising from lowland rainforests around 360 meters up to a maximum elevation of 1,311 meters (4,301 ft), transitioning into montane scrub, tussock grasslands, and herb-fields at higher altitudes.
The forest is a botanist's dream, dominated by towering ancient podocarp trees like kahikatea, tōtara, and mataī, with some lowland tōtara estimated to be around 1,000 years old. It's also exceptionally rich in ferns, boasting about 68 different species, which accounts for roughly 36% of all ferns found in New Zealand. This lush habitat supports a vibrant bird population, with at least 10 native forest bird species recorded, including the bellbird (korimako), kererū (wood pigeon), fantail (pīwakawaka), and rifleman (tītitipounamu). Keep an eye out for the New Zealand falcon (kārearea) in the higher tussock areas.
Beyond the birds, the reserve is a crucial habitat for several protected and rare species. Look closely in damp logs for the fascinating velvet worm (Peripatus), a "living fossil," and spot the stunning jewelled gecko (Naultinus gemmeus) in the forest and shrublands, alongside several native wētā species.
Visitors can explore this diverse ecosystem via 15 designated tracks that stretch over 30.1 kilometers. There's a path for everyone, with tracks graded from easy short loops like the Big Tree or Fern Walk, perfect for a casual stroll, up to advanced tramping routes leading to the summit of Little Mt Peel. For the higher elevation climbs, be sure to come prepared with sturdy footwear and backcountry experience.
Peel Forest at a Glance
A remnant of a mighty forest, Peel Forest is a unique and precious podocarp forest ecosystem.
~770
Hectares of Forest
1,311
Meters (Little Mt Peel)
15
Designated Tracks
30.1
Kilometers of Trails
1000+
Year Old Tōtara Trees
10+
Native Bird Species
Explore Our Area of Focus
Our work is centered around the beautiful and ecologically significant Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve.
Photos from the Park
A glimpse of the ancient forest, its tracks, and the views that make Peel Forest so special.
Explore in 3D
Take a virtual flight through Peel Forest with Google Earth and experience its stunning topography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Project Peel and how to help.
Project Peel is a registered New Zealand charitable trust (Charities Register CC57283) run by local volunteers. We are dedicated to the ecological restoration and protection of Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve in Canterbury, through predator and pest control, native planting, advocacy and community education.