The Waihora Ellesmere Trust has partnered with the Children’s University to become a Learning Destination.
Children’s University Canterbury Partnership is operated jointly between the University of Canterbury Te Whare Wanaga o Waitaha and Lincoln University Te Whare Wanaka o Aoraki. Found more about the Children’s University here.
Learning Destinations provide high quality learning activities that contribute to the Passport of Learning. Once a passport holder has reached the required numbers of hours they will graduate from the Children’s University.
The first activity sheet produced by the Waihora Ellesmere Trust is for Harts Creek.
Access this activity here
Harts Creek Track
Harts Creek/Waitatari is a spring-fed stream that rises between Leeston and Southbridge and flows for about six km before reaching Te Waihora / Lake Ellesmere.
The track starts from the carpark you walk through an area of native trees before the track comes out in the open and follows the Creek. Swans (including White Swans),ducks and trout can be seen along this stretch. The track moves into a densely wooded (mainly willows) wetland area which is part of the Harts Creek Wildlife Management Reserve. Keep an eye out for the right turn onto the boardwalk. Follow the boardwalk to the bird hide. As well as wetland birds you may see and hear the friendly pīwakawaka.
The bird hide offers views over the lake and gives easy viewing of birdlife. Make sure you have your binoculars with you.
The boardwalk and bird hide were built by the Ellesmere Lions Club.
In the late 1990s local farmer Colin Paterson embarked on the restoration of Harts Creek – check out a short video of the project here.
Found out more about Harts Creek and the walkway at:
