Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve
Peel Forest is a unique and important Canterbury ecosystem.
A unique piece of South Canterbury.
Nestled at the south-eastern end of the Te Haoa (Mt Peel) Range, Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve stretches from the banks of the Rangitata River to the top of Huatekerekere/Little Mt Peel. The almost 800ha reserve represents the largest remaining contiguous area of indigenous forest in the Orari Ecological District and supports a number of plant communities ranging from tall lowland podocarp forest to sub-alpine scrub and tussockland.
A Home for Birds.
The Reserve provides an extensive area of habitat for birds and there are many species of indigenous birds present in the forest and surrounding areas.
It's unusual not to be accompanied on walks by Piwakawaka (Fantail) and the calls of Korimako (Bellbird) at dawn are a reminder of times past.
If you're lucky you might see one of the Tui that are re-establishing themselves in the forest.