Tawatawa Reserve is a 64-hectare nature reserve in South Wellington.
Nestled between Kingston and Ōwhiro Bay, Tawatawa Reserve features regenerating native bush, wetlands, walking and biking tracks, a native tree nursery and an off-leash dog exercise area.
About SEA
Find out more about the passionate group of people working to restore Tawatawa alongside council.
Become a Member
Want to become a member and support the restoration of Tawatawa? Find out more here.
Our Impact
61,975
trees and shrubs planted since 1992
1,600
volunteer hours given each year
815
rats, stoats and other predators trapped
Support Tawatawa Reserve
If you’d like to support the native forest restoration at Tawatawa Reserve, donate a few dollars to make it happen.
Te Pou
At the highest point in the Reserve stands Te Pouwhenua (a carved pillar or Pou) bearing the faces of Te Rauparaha and his nephew Te Rangihaeata.
Latest News
- What’s Happening in the Lizard Garden?The lizard garden along the City to Sea Walkway began in 2019. It features native plants such as tī kouka (cabbage trees), wharariki (mountain flax), tauhinu (coastal tree daisy), mingimingi (twiggy coprosma), pohuehue (muehlenbeckia complexa), koromiko, and mānuka. Five yearsContinue reading “What’s Happening in the Lizard Garden?”
- Poppy’s Experience of Penguin Avoidance TrainingWith nearly a dozen little blue penguin/kororā deaths along Wellington’s coast in recent months due to dog attacks, and a dog walker hearing the call of a male kiwi near the water reservoir at Tawatawa, dog/avian interactions are now aContinue reading “Poppy’s Experience of Penguin Avoidance Training”
- Celebrating 30 years of protecting the environment2024 celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Southern Environmental Association (SEA). Here are some of the highlights over the last three decades. Founding SEA members opposing the Ōwhiro Bay Quarry. Even a visit from renowned environmentalist David Bellamy (top rightContinue reading “Celebrating 30 years of protecting the environment”
Tawatawa Reserve 