Western Spring or ‘Te Wai Orea’ (The water of the eels) started life as an abundant river, fed primarily by water coming off the two Maunga Te Tatua-a-Riukiuta, Mount Albert and Maungawhau/Mount Eden. As Auckland’s population continued to grow the river was dammed and converted into a lake to provide water. Shortly after this demand outstripped the supply and the land went through many evolutions. Eventually, the boggy land was abandoned leaving it vulnerable to rubbish dumping.
The now cleaned, weeded and replanted lake and land is home to many native and introduced bird and fish species like the longfin eel, shags, ducks and geese.
Today Auckland Council is making an effort to restore it back to some of its native beauty. So join us for a community planting day at Western Springs where we will be planting over 1,000 native plants and trees. Be a part of making it a home to native species and a native paradise in the middle of the city.
Planting will be from 10am – 12pm followed by a free BBQ. Click “Book Now” to find out available dates.
We will provide gloves and spades!
Social Protocols
- Be sun smart - Make sure you bring sunblock to protect yourself from the Kiwi sun (even on cloudy days!)
- Respect the environment - You will be out in nature for this experience so please help protect our environment by taking all your rubbish with you.
- Make new friends - This is a group experience so go along prepared to start conversations and make some new friends :-)
- Stay safe in the outdoors - Your guides know the environment better than anyone and are there to keep you safe; listen to ALL their instructions, ALL the time.
Cultural Protocols
- Be on time - While the experience will be a relaxed one, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to arrive early so you don't keep your guides and others waiting.
- Don't be shy - Kiwis are very friendly, open people so this experience is a great opportunity to not be shy, smile lots and make some new friends.
