Discover Tūtaenui Reserve

Just a few minutes north of Marton lies one of the district's best-kept secrets.

Many people know Tūtaenui as the reservoir that quietly supplies Marton's drinking water. But venture beyond the water's edge and you'll discover something much more. A peaceful reserve where walking tracks weave through native bush, mountain bike trails wind around the landscape, and every visit tells the story of a community that believed this place could be something special.

It wasn't always like this.

Less than a decade ago, much of the reserve was overgrown with gorse and difficult to access. While the reservoir continued its important role supplying water to Marton, few people imagined the surrounding land could become one of the district's favourite outdoor spaces.

That began to change in 2016, when the Tūtaenui Stream Restoration Society partnered with Rangitīkei District Council to bring a bold vision to life.

Together, volunteers, community groups and Council staff began transforming the landscape. Gorse was cleared, walking tracks were carved through the vegetation, thousands of native trees were planted, and predator control programmes were introduced to encourage the return of native birds and wildlife.

The vision was never simply to create another walking track.

It was about creating an ecosystem while people could reconnect with nature.

Today, that vision is becoming a reality.

The reserve offers a growing network of trails, with peaceful picnic spots overlooking the water and plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the surroundings. It's hard to believe you're only a few minutes from the centre of Marton.

Nature has flourished alongside the restoration.

Thousands of native trees continue to mature each year, providing habitat for an increasing variety of birds and insects. One of the reserve's most remarkable residents is the pekapeka-tou-poto (short-tailed bat), one of Aotearoa New Zealand's only native land mammals. Their presence is a powerful reminder that years of restoration are creating an environment where native wildlife can once again thrive.

Regular trout releases help maintain a healthy fishery, giving locals a great learning environment for fly fishing and another reason to spend time enjoying this peaceful corner of Rangitīkei.

Every season offers something different.

Winter mornings bring mist drifting across the water. Spring fills the reserve with fresh green growth and birdsong. Summer provides long evenings perfect for a walk or bike ride, while autumn paints the surrounding landscape in warm golden tones.

Perhaps that's what makes Tūtaenui Reserve so special.

It isn't simply a place to visit. It's a place that people built together. A shared commitment to restoring the environment has transformed an overlooked piece of land into a reserve that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

So next time you're looking for somewhere to stretch your legs, clear your mind, cast a fishing line or simply enjoy the outdoors, take the short trip to Tūtaenui Reserve.

You won't just discover one of the hidden gems of Rangitīkei.

You'll discover what a community can achieve when people work together with nature.