Kaihoka Lakes |
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This small reserve (45 ha) has an easy, 10 minute walk through some enchanting coastal broadleaf forest between the two lakes. It is located near the northern end of Whanganui Inlet, 10 km west of Pakawau. The lakes occupy depressions in the undulating landscape and have no surface outlets. They are formed by sand dunes blocking valleys in the underlying sandstones and conglomerates. The prominent bluffs to the west, and extending north and south, are younger limestones, deposited on top of these Pakawau rocks.
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The forest relic has a tropical touch with nikau palms, large-leaved kohekohe, tall black mamaku, northern rata and tangles of kiekie and supplejack. Amongst the podocarps are rimu, kahikatea and miro. Other lowland and coastal shrubs in this reserve include pigeonwood, mahoe, hinau, kawakawa and quintinia or tawheowheo. The forest has been modified by past logging and burning but it is regenerating vigorously. A colony of the native land-snails inhabits the reserve. These large primitive creatures eat earthworms and other fauna of the forest floor. Like all native plants and animals in the reserve, the snails are fully protected, even the empty shells.
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