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:
- 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.
You can download the full masterplan and Council report below.
Friends of Pohowera - First planting day August 14, 2026.
Photo courtesy of EcoZip Kaikōura photographer Ellen Cayford.
Latest News:
Friends of Pōhowera 14/08/2026
A fantastic first step for Pohowera Park🌳
A huge thank you to everyone who came along today to help with the first native planting session. 🪴
Friends of Pōhowera well and truly hit the ground running, with around 30 people, mostly local community members, turning up with spades at the ready to plant close to 300 native plants. The area planted was alongside the cycle track, across from SH1.
Before today, local resident Ross James put in a huge amount of time preparing the ground after some recent clearing work by a local contractor.
Each plant was lovingly fertilized, mulched and protected. Council will water the new plants as needed, and we hope our Friends of Pōhowera volunteers will help keep the weeds in check going forward to give them the best possible chance to thrive.
A special thank you to EcoZip, who provided a large number of kānuka and akeake grown in their nursery, and to local residents who have been busy potting up self-seeded natives in preparation. All of the plants were sourced from within 5km of the park and selected for their suitability for the local coastal environment. ❤️🔥
And while a huge amount of work was achieved, there was plenty of time for old friends and new to catch up over a delicious morning tea kindly provided by Lynette Buurman, with support from Te Ana – The Caves. What a treat.
This is a much loved coastal area with so much potential. The scale of the work ahead can feel daunting, but every big project has to start somewhere and today we took that first step. This is just the beginning for Pōhowera Park.
NEXT PLANTING🌳
Fri 11th Sept from 10am to 11am followed by morning tea. Further planting in the same area and a bit further along so meet in the Pohowera Park carpark again (turn opposite the Kaikoura Golf Course club entrance).
PLANT CARE WORKING BEE🍃
Going forward Friends of Pohowera will meet monthly for weed and grass control in the planted areas.
Friends of Pōhowera 23/07/2026
Working together to help create something special
Many people know the area now named ‘Pohowera Park’ as the former South Bay Reserve or the old pine forest.
As plans continue to develop, this unique coastal landscape will gradually be transformed into Pōhowera Park.
Over time, the park will evolve through native revegetation, new trails, places to play and gather, creating a space that reflects its rustic coastal character and recognises its strong cultural and environmental significance.
Friends of Pōhowera has been established as a way for the community to contribute to the ongoing development and care of Pōhowera Park. Working in partnership with the Kaikōura District Council, members will have opportunities to become involved in a range of restoration and enhancement projects as they are developed.
Whether you have an hour to spare, a skill to share, or simply a passion for Kaikōura, we'd love you to be involved.
Nature & Restoration
- Grow or donate native plants
- Join planting days
- Weed and care for young plantings
- Restore habitats for birds and wildlife
- Help organise working bees
Building the Park
- Help design or create natural kids play features
- Build seating and shelters
- Assist with art and interpretation projects
- Help design or create wayfinding and educational information
- Share ideas and practical skills
- Share local stories and history
Want to join us on the journey?
Please reach out to Colette Doughty on 021 1132884 or Mike Russell on 027 288 8677 to register your interest.
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.
Ross James with potted seedlings ready to plant out.
