The slow-moving tea-coloured waters of Ship Creek New Zealand make an excellent backdrop for two easy forest walks. This family-friendly stop is quick, yet around every turn, we discovered rare and hidden treasures. First, we enjoyed the ancient Kahikatea Swamp Forest walk. Next, the Lake Dunes walk, all in just less than a one-hour stop.
Stained by tannin and humic acids, the deep golden colour of Ship Creek is, in fact, typical of small tributaries in the region. When this sediment and nutrient-rich water overflows the banks, it enhances the surrounding soil. As a result, Kahikatea (white pine), cabbage trees, flax and kowhai grow well.
Whitebait, eels and a variety of birdlife can also be found here, including kingfishers, bellbirds, tui, fantails, gray warblers and less commonly spotted are kea and kaka.
Kahikatea swamp forest walk
New Zealand’s best example of a swamp forest is accessed along an easy boardwalk stroll. The path follows alongside Ship Creek offering easy viewing of the forest and wildlife.
We looped through an area of dense swamp forest where we could see New Zealand’s tallest tree, the kahikatea. Looking into the swamp waters of Ship Creek, we could see both reflections of the existing foliage as well as the fallen trees under the water.
More New Zealand on Albom Adventures…
Kahikatea: New Zealand’s tallest native tree
Growing to 60 metres in height, Kahikatea, a white pine, is New Zealand’s tallest native tree. In addition, it traces back over 100 million years, giving it the nickname of Dinosaur Tree and the distinction of holding the oldest fossil record of any NZ tree.
They grow well and strong in fertile flood plains and swamps, often almost in an arrow-straight formation. In the Haast region, Kahikatea live for 500-800 years.
Dune Lake walk
A one-kilometre return Dune Lake walk took us out to a sea of rolling waves. The walk through a dense coastal forest passes dunes and windswept trees. From the viewing platform, we get expansive coastal views all the way to Jackson Head as well as overlooking the dune lake.
For us, it was way too cold to swim, but it was early springtime and quite overcast. Summer would be a different story.
Tips for visiting Ship Creek NZ
- Bring insect repellent.
- There are plenty of interesting interpretive panels along the way.
- Remember, there are two separate hikes to enjoy from the car park, one into the swamp forest, the other to the beach.
- If it’s a nice day and you plan to swim, you might want to wear surf shoes, it’s rocky rather than sandy.
Getting to Ship Creek New Zealand
- Located between Haast and Fox Glacier in the Tauparikākā Marine reserve, Ship Creek is one of many stops we recommend on our west coast South Island itinerary.
- Ship Creek will be signposted along State Highway 6 about 20 kilometres north of Haast.
- If you are travelling south, you will find the Ship Creek car park about 20 kilometres beyond the Monro beach trailhead at Lake Moeraki (Monro beach is home to rare Fiordland Crested penguins.)
Save on your NZ trip with these resources
These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), Bookabach (self-contained in NZ), or Hostelworld (budget). See all our personal favourite NZ hotels here.
- Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
- Motorcycles: we have heard good things about BikesBooking.
- Campervans: Our readers prefer Jucy, and we get consistently great feedback.
- Activity discounts: we check Bookme.com for discounts of up to 70% on activities.
- Private guides: we do have a go-to when we hire a private guide from Viator.
- Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.
Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel. And don’t forget to download our free New Zealand packing list when you sign up for our newsletter.
Save for later
If you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media and save it for later on Pinterest.
Which will you prefer, Ship Creek and theKahikatea Swamp Forest walk or the Lake Dunes walk?
For more on New Zealand, start here: New Zealand Road Trips: Itineraries for North or South Island Adventures, or you might like …
noel
This is such a cool place to explore and not get your feet wet, those are pretty cool bogs
Rhonda Albom
As a photographer you would love it. If you get here, plan to spend a lot of time on South Island. It’s a photographer’s paradise.
Michelle
WOW..I’ve never seen swamp water so clean.
Rhonda, I wanted to come by and let you know I’ve awarded you the Liebster Award. Please come by my blog so you’ll see the questions. Thanks
Also, please let me know if you do the questions so I can come see them.
jan
We have driven down the west coast and I remember the forest. It certainly is intriguing on the West Coast.
Corinne
Rhonda, What a gorgeous place! I definitely don’t like the mozzies, though.
Rhonda Albom
I am not a fan of mozzies either, although they generally don’t bother me as much as they do hubby or one of my teens. They both get huge swollen bites. We always carry mozzie spray on the South Island.
stevebethere
I agree it looks beautiful there, what a contrast between the forest and the beach/ocean
Lynne
I have never been to New Zealand but do plan to one day. This area looks really beautiful.
Karren Haller
What an interesting trip to the swamp, Im glad you enjoyed your trip, interesting how the moss drapes.
Theresa
I imagine that New Zealand is full of gorgeous scenery, and this is no exception! Lovely shots!
S. Katherine Anthony
Yikes, mosquitoes love me. I would definitely not forget that spray lol
Kahikatea Swamp Forest is really spectacular! Wow! 😀
Comedy Plus
What a cool place to visit indeed. I’d prefer the ocean though. You know how I love the water.
Have a fabulous day. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I would image you would enjoy the ocean more, but they are both there, something for everyone.
pat
wondrous skies in NZ – I’ve never been to your country, but hope to do so one day.
Stephanie Faris
Mosquito spray is definitely a must.
Rhonda Albom
And a good one too. The beach was a bad as the swamp for little biting insects.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Like a combination of swamp and rainforest. Very unique! And yes, rather beautiful.
Rhonda Albom
I never really thought about it like that before. I wonder if swamps aren’t common in rainforests.