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Tekapo Cyclists Said....
“The journey took me in to some very impressive natural environments”
Lynne, Auckland, March 2014
“The views along the way were the attraction for me. Great to see Tekapo Church at last. Very enjoyable- in all loved the trip”
Cheryl, Auckland , April 2013
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Tekapo Canal Trail - Free Field and History Guide
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| On the Tekapo Canal Trail we provide you a comprehensive field and history summary of the area. |
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- History
- Fauna
- Flora
- Geology
- Did You Know?
- And more...
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People
According to Maori legend, Aoraki and his three brothers were voyaging around Papatuanuku (the Earth Mother) when disaster struck and they became stranded on a reef. The brothers climbed up on top of their canoe and after some time, the freezing Southern winds froze them, turning them into stone. Their waka (canoe), became what we know today as the South Island, and was called Te Waka o Aoraki - the Canoe of Aoraki. Aoraki, the tallest of the four brothers is now seen as the majestic Aoraki Mount Cook, while his brothers became three other peaks of the Southern Alps.
Up until the mid 19th century, large parties of Maori used to come to the Mackenzie Basin for three to four months of each year to forage for food and trade.
The area was known for its many weka, NZ quail, fernroot, hinerata (a small berry-eating mouse which lived in beech forest) and eels. Raupo roots were also used for food. Snowgrass was used for thatching huts. Flint was mined at a quarry in the Upper Waitaki Basin.
Flora and Fauna
Flora: Historically, riverbeds were scattered with low-lying native plants such as lichens, mat species and tufty herbs. When European settlers introduced species such as willow, gorse, sweet brier, broom and lupins, braided river conditions changed rapidly.
By the 19th century, glaciation and Maori fires had severely reduced South Canterbury’s forest cover. The only significant areas of podocarp forest – totara, kahikatea and matai – were at Arowhenua and along the foothills of the interior ranges. Other remnants comprised kowhai, matipo and similar species. There were small areas of beech and mountain totara forest at Aoraki/Mt Cook and along the Ben Ohau Range.
By the mid-19th century most of the area was covered by flax, fern, scrub and tussock. Cabbage trees were abundant. Early pastoralists burned tussock to promote edible shoots, or re-sowed their land in exotic grasses. Most native vegetation has now been superseded by introduced species. The largest remaining remnant of native forest is at Peel Forest near Geraldine.
The progressive development of the Waitaki Hydro-Electric Power Scheme has also brought about extensive changes to the braided rivers and adjoining wetlands, mostly due to the formation of four lakes and expansion of two natural lakes.
Graham’s buttercup, Haast’s hebe and a parahebe (found at up to 3,000 metres on exposed rocks in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park) are the only flowering plants growing in New Zealand that can survive at this height.
Fauna: The hunting for food by Maori and the introduction of exotic mammals such as cats, stoats, ferrets and weasels, has decimated bird numbers and variety however a number of rare and protected birds such as kea, the New Zealand falcon, rock wrens, black stilt, wrybills, and black–fronted terns can still be observed.
Introduced deer, thar, and chamois are found here and are hunted recreationally.
Rabbits and possums are major pests.
Trout and salmon abound in the rivers, canals and tarns.
Some wetlands have been used as sites to release endangered wildlife reared in captivity. ‘Kakï’, or ‘Black Stilt’ (Himantopus novaezelandiae), is a native wading bird only found in New Zealand. It is regarded by Maori as a taonga species – a living treasure. Once common throughout New Zealand, Kakï is now restricted to the braided rivers and wetlands of the Mackenzie Basin. A colony of 80 black-fronted tern nesting in the new Ruataniwha Wetland has been another notable success. The birds nesting in the fenced wetlands have a much higher breeding survival rate - over 90 per cent. Birds nesting outside the fences typically have less than a 40 per cent survival rate.
Himalayan chukor have been released in the grasslands and are often seen on the higher areas.
Long and short tussock skinks and geckos are still relatively common.
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Thar
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Mt Cook Lily
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Aoraki Mt Cook
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Industry
The area today is the biggest provider of hydro electric power in NZ and employs a large number of the resident population.
Tourism is also a major industry with the Mt Cook National Park being to the forefront as one of New Zealand's most well known tourist destinations.
Farming is still a major contributor to the local economy.
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Book now for Next Season!
2018 / 2019
Have a date in mind?
We can build a tour especially for your group, please enquire for dates available.
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new zealand: 
world: 
For dates, availability & customisations 
Cycling
australia: 
info@tuataratours.co.nz
Bike Alongside Soaring Landscapes & Turquoise Waters!
Tuatara Tours will take you from Christchurch (which has an international airport) right into the heart of the South Island of New Zealand for The Tekapo Canal Trail.
You will soak up the magical views and discover the history of the Mackenzie Country in four leisurely paced days of pedalling.
Join us for an unforgettable guided bike tour alongside the picturesque glacial lakes and canals, under the watchful eye of the mighty Mount Cook (New Zealand’s highest mountain).
What's Included:
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Tekapo Canal Trail Highlights Video
(4:04min)