Kaitorete Spit Canterbury New Zealand
Kaitorete Spit (actually a barrier formation) is an impressive landform, about 28 km long. It was formed about 6000 years ago by gravels transported by the Rakaia River and pushed into place by the Pacific Ocean.
It’s the largest remaining area in New Zealand of native sand binder/pingao, a bright-orange plant prized for weaving. Kaitorete is also home to other threatened plants and animals, some of which are unique to this location, such as woolly head Crapspedia ‘Kaitorete’, and a flightless moth! It’s a fantastic place to spot katipo spiders and lizards too.
Kaitorete Spit Canterbury New Zealand
Kaitorete Spit (actually a barrier formation) is an impressive landform, about 28 km long. It was formed about 6000 years ago by gravels transported by the Rakaia River and pushed into place by the Pacific Ocean.
It’s the largest remaining area in New Zealand of native sand binder/pingao, a bright-orange plant prized for weaving. Kaitorete is also home to other threatened plants and animals, some of which are unique to this location, such as woolly head Crapspedia ‘Kaitorete’, and a flightless moth! It’s a fantastic place to spot katipo spiders and lizards too.