Te Kopi-O-Te Opihi (Burkes Pass) Native Planting Days 2026
First planting day this Saturday 4 April from 9.30 am ( Other days are Sunday 12 April and Sunday 19 April)
All the willows have finally been cleared and big load of plants is now on site for planting. We really do hope you can make it to one of these days.
Where: Upper Opihi River restoration area beside the planned new Te Kopi-o-te Opihi public walking track.
Meet: 2033 Fairlie -Tekapo Rd, Alma Cottage, Burkes Pass.
Time: start at 9.30 am, feel free to spend whatever time suits you or just come to watch and show
support for this community venture.
Bring: a spade (we have some extra ones for those that do not have one), gumboots (need to wade across the river, which should be ankle deep), gloves,
warm clothes/hat, drink bottle, lunch (bring something to share or just your own, there will be some
food and hot drinks provided)
Opihi River Restoration Project and Track Autumn Planting Event
Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May to start planting up the stage 2 area. All assistance even for a short time is very welcome from 9.30am. Bring spade, gloves, gum boots and warm clothes. Food to share or BYO lunch, hot drinks available.
Rescheduled Opihi Planting Day 2022
Friday 18 th and Saturday 19 th November from 9.30 am
A massive willow clearance has been made for hundreds of native plants that are on site ready to be planted.
Where: Upper Opihi River restoration area beside the planned new Te Kopi-o-te Opihi public walking track.
Meet: 2033 Fairlie -Tekapo Rd, Alma Cottage, Burkes Pass.
Time: start at 9.30 am, feel free to spend whatever time suits you or just come to watch and show
support for this new venture.
Bring: a spade, gumboots (need to wade across the river which should be ankle deep), gloves,
warm clothes/hat, drink bottle, lunch (bring something to share or just your own, there will be some
food and hot drinks provided)
Contact: Jane or Graham Batchelor, 0273689709, Burkes Pass (03) 6856271, or Chch (03)
3481531.
To help with planning a return email to janelbatch@gmail.com would be useful. Thanks.
The Project: This exciting new project is to restore a segment of the Upper Opihi Awa or river, a
joint venture between The Burkes Pass Heritage Trust and the Arowhenua Native Nursery (Te Kete
Tipuranga o Huirapa Ltd).
A public walking track beside the river is planned to be a loop extension of the existing Heritage
Walk and showcase our local native plants and tell the story of this traditional route, (ka ara
tawhito), to mana whenua food gathering areas. The nursery have collected seed from our area
specifically to grow plants and we are also grateful to support from ECAN, and a grant from the
local OTOP committee.
Anniss Cottage Cobbing Workshop
Join us to learn about cobbing and to get involved in the repair of Anniss Cottage. Congregate at Alma cottage (parking available) at 10am. Bring clothes that you can work in and a pair of gloves. Lunch and afternoon tea provided!
The Project: This exciting new project is to restore a segment of the Upper Opihi Awa or river, a
joint venture between The Burkes Pass Heritage Trust and the Arowhenua Native Nursery (Te Kete Tipuranga o Huirapa Ltd).
A public walking track beside the river is planned to be a loop extension of the existing Heritage
Walk and showcase our local native plants and tell the story of this traditional route, (ka ara tawhito), to mana whenua food gathering areas. The nursery have collected seed from our area specifically to grow plants and we are also grateful to support from ECAN, and a grant from the local OTOP committee.
Become A Volunteer
Join us in preserving our local heritage while learning historical building techniques, and to preserve our native ecosystems.