Pōhowera Park - South Bay Reserve

Pōhowera Park is a large coastal reserve at South Bay that offers opportunities for recreation, walking, cycling, conservation, and connecting with Kaikōura's natural environment. As development continues, the park is becoming an important community space that balances public enjoyment with environmental restoration.

Named after the Pōhowera (Banded Dotterel), a bird of special significance to the region, the park stretches across approximately 70 hectares, encompassing a 3-kilometre coastal frontage between South Bay and the Kowhai River.

About the Park

Following extensive community engagement and reserve planning, the former South Bay Forest site is being transformed into an open reserve that can be enjoyed for generations to come.

The vision for Pōhowera Park focuses on:

• Recreation and outdoor enjoyment
• Improved accessibility and connections
• Native planting and environmental enhancement
• Protection and celebration of local heritage
• Opportunities for learning, community gathering, and recreation
• Safe and welcoming spaces for all users

What You Can Expect

As development progresses, Pōhowera Park will provide a range of experiences and facilities, including:

Walking and Cycling

• New and improved walking tracks
• Connections to the wider district walking and cycling network
• Retention of existing cycle trails
• Improved access throughout the reserve

Native Planting and Landscaping

• A major focus of the park is the establishment of native vegetation using eco-sourced species from the local area.
• The planting programme aims to:
• Future opportunities identified within the park include:
  • Interpretation, artwork, and storytelling opportunities will help visitors learn about the area's natural, cultural, and historical significance while strengthening connections to place.
  • Enhance biodiversity
  • Improve habitat for native wildlife
  • Create attractive and sheltered public spaces
  • Strengthen the area's coastal character

Recreation and Play

• Nature-based play areas
• Open recreational spaces
• Frisbee golf
• Potential dog exercise areas
• Informal gathering and picnic spaces

Heritage, Culture and Storytelling

• Interpretation, artwork, and storytelling opportunities will help visitors learn about the area's natural, cultural, and historical significance while strengthening connections to place.

Progress to Date

Key milestones achieved include:

• Community consultation on future use of the reserve.
• Completion of a Reserve Management Plan under the Reserves Act 1977.
• Development of a community-informed masterplan.
• Adoption of the Pōhowera Park Masterplan by Council in August 2025.
• Commencement of initial site preparation, weed management, and planting programmes.

Current and Upcoming Work

Work is continuing in stages and includes:

• Ongoing weed control and vegetation management.
• Site preparation for future planting programmes.
• Entrance improvements.
• Targeted stump removal in key areas.
• Native planting and landscaping.
• Development of partnerships and external funding opportunities to support future projects.

As the park develops, visitors will continue to see new planting, improved access, and additional recreational opportunities emerging across the reserve.

Latest News:

Drone Weed Spraying - 17th July 2026

Kaikōura District Council advises that drone weed spraying will be undertaken at Pōhowera Park during the period 19–22 July 2026, subject to suitable weather conditions.

The work forms part of the ongoing restoration of Pōhowera Park and will target invasive weeds including gorse, blackberry, wilding pines and old man's beard in selected perimeter and walking track edge areas.

Agrichemical: Grazon
Application rate: 10 litres per hectare, applied in a total spray volume of 200 litres per hectare.

For public safety, walking tracks within the treatment area will be closed while spraying is underway and for four hours after spraying has been completed.

Warning signage will be displayed at all access points, and spraying will only proceed when weather conditions are suitable.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation while this important weed control work is undertaken to support the long-term restoration of Pōhowera Park.