Season 1
The first planting season at Mautohe Cathedral Cove took place along the Gemstone Bay walk track, where DOC have been preparing the site with extensive weeding and pest plant removal ahead of summer. On a clear, sunny day, locals, visitors, tourism operators, and partners came together to plant nearly 300 native plants.
What Went In
- Mahoe / Whitey Wood (Melicytus ramiflorus) – 56
- Kawakawa (Piper excelsum) – 56
- Karo (Pittosporum crassifolium) – 56
- Tī kōuka / Cabbage Tree (Cordyline australis) – 28
- Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) – 25
- Pūtāpūtāwētā / Marbleleaf (Carpodetus serratus) – 10
- Karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus) – 10
- Rengarenga (Arthropodium cirratum) – 19
- Kōhūhū (Pittosporum tenuifolium) – 10
- Kōwhai (Sophora microphylla) – 10
- Pūriri (Vitex lucens) – 6
- Kohekohe (Dysoxylum spectabile) – 5
- Rēwarewa (Knightia excelsa) – 5
- Pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) – 1
Total planted: 296 natives.
On the Ground
DOC, TCDC, Ngāti Hei, DHC, tourism operators, bach owners, and locals, all turned up and got stuck in. Different hands, same kaupapa: strengthen the trackside and the health of the cove.
A Rare Find
While preparing the site, DOC discovered dwarf mistletoe, an endangered native parasitic plant that grows on mānuka. It’s heavily browsed by possums, so to support its survival, extra mānuka were planted nearby to increase its chances of thriving in the area.
Backed By
This season was supported by:
- Glass Bottom Boat
- Hahei Explorer
- Ocean Leopard Tours
- Cathedral Cove Kayaks
- Cathedral Cove Dive & Snorkel
- Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
- Visitors, locals, and the wider tourism community
