This wetland area is situated behind the lower dam in Wainuiomata. Built in 1878, the dam still stands but was decommissioned in the 1950s. In 2007, the area behind the dam was restored to its natural wetland state, becoming a refuge for wetland plants and birdlife.
The restoration involved removing willow trees and other vegetation from the lake bed, followed by planting native species around the lake edges and nearby areas.
In 2013, public access to the lower dam (with a view over the wetland area), was granted for the first time, as previously, entry was only possible through organised tours.
