Treespace

Before the arrival of man, Whakatipu was cloaked in native beech forest. This forest extended from the valley floor to over 900 meters above sea level. Now only a few last stands remain. What if we could bring the forest back?

With the community’s endorsement, Mt Dewar will become New Zealand’s largest native reforestation project, where education and ecotourism underwrite the care of the mountain and forest in perpetuity. They plan for over 400ha of mountain beech forest (99% of the land) to be restored, introduced weeds, pests and predators to be removed and water quality and biodiversity protected. Over 50 kilometres of hiking and biking trails will be provided for public access and enjoyment. All of this is possible with the establishment of an alpine community – 53 mountainside homes.

Te Tapu o Tāne’s experienced and passionate crew is currently performing the native plantings of over 200,000 native beech trees.