Ngā mihi ki a koutou
Welcome to Shotover Wetland, a regionally significant wetland in Queenstown, Otago. Shotover Primary School students are working to restore the wetland to a thriving source of life.
Here at Shotover Primary School, we’ve been working at the wetlands since 2016, planting, trapping pests, and teaching others. This long-term project will continue for many years to come. We're restoring the wetlands to make them both beautiful and healthy for our community and wildlife.
Located in Shotover Country, the area was once surrounded by farmland, and now our local stormwater enters the wetlands through the soak pits.
Over the past 10 years, we’ve planted more than 5,000 native plants. Now, with a new tool called an auger, which drills holes about 10 times faster than digging, we can plant even more natives. Our wetlands have already improved significantly, with even more progress on the way.
Authors: Annette (Year 8) and Zuzu (Year 7)
Students from Shotover Primary have been restoring Shotover Wetland. They are supported by their teachers, who use the wetland as a living classroom, and expert educators from the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust. Queenstown Airport has generously sponsored the project since 2022.
The information you see on this website has been developed by the students as part of their work to restore the wetland.
Our
Work
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BIODIVERSITY
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RESTORATION
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STORMWATER
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WATER QUALITY
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PREDATORS
Explore student learning
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Native biodiversity
Read all about the species present at Shotover Wetland
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Wetland restoration
See which restoration practices students are using.
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Stormwater systems
Shotover Wetland plays an important role in this suburb’s stormwater systems.
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Water quality
Wetlands are sometimes called “the kidneys of the earth”. Find out why!
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Predator control
Learn more about the predators that out our native wildlife at risk and how they are being managed.
Get involved
Upcoming planting sessions and events