Grovetown: Lagoon, Wetland and Walking Tracks

Wetland and River History

Grovetown Lagoon is one of the few remaining natural wetlands on the Wairau Plain and is also an oxbow lake. About 155 years ago, the Wairau River changed course and cut off a bend, forming the Lagoon. Its character as an oxbow lake therefore points to a specific event: the lake is a remnant of the river’s former course. At this place, today’s wetland landscape and the history of the river’s course come together.

The area’s wildlife and plants offer different connections to nature. Black swans use the Lagoon as a safe refuge and breeding area during their annual moult. The rare swamp nettle (Urtica perconfusa) is an endangered species found in a small area of the Lagoon. These two connections to nature answer different questions: the swans’ story concerns an annually recurring life cycle, while the plant’s concerns its limited distribution.

Another historical connection concerns Grovetown Loop. A brief but severe flood separated it from the Wairau River during Marlborough’s early European settlement period. This was a different event from the formation of the Lagoon, which resulted from a river bend being cut off about 155 years ago. One story concerns the lake’s origins; the other, Grovetown Loop’s separation from the river.

Walking Tracks and Getting Oriented

The Grovetown Loop Track circles the Lagoon and is a flat, easy 55-minute walk. Check track conditions locally before setting out. A bridge over a stream is a starting point for the Loop Track. The route also includes the track through Springs Wetland, known as the Big Bush. For planning, the walk has a specific duration, a starting point and a named wetland section. The duration answers the question of how long it takes; the bridge and Springs Wetland provide concrete landmarks within the route description.

For birdwatching, the Bird Hide in the picnic area behind the Rowing Club is a specific location: from there, you can watch birds on the Lagoon. Picnic tables are located near the path to the hide and also by the Wairau River. If you plan to take a break during your walk, these two locations provide clear landmarks. The condition of the tables depends on local maintenance; check them on site if needed.

The short Riverside Track passes through restored native bush near the Rowing Club Building on the Wairau River. Its features differ from the Loop: the Loop circles the Lagoon, is flat and easy, and takes 55 minutes; the Riverside Track is short and runs beside the river through bush. When choosing a walking track, you can therefore compare the Lagoon circuit’s duration and route with the Riverside Track’s river and vegetation setting.

Discover more destinations: Picton, Kenepuru Head, Raetihi, Anakiwa, Renwick, St Omer, Canvastown, Portage

For the broader travel overview: Marlborough District.