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This oxbown loop of the Wairau River near Blenheim is home to a multitude and large numbers of waterfowl, shags, heron, waders and passerines.
The Grovetown Lagoon, an oxbow lake, is a natural wetland, which you can explore following the 3.8 km circuit track that runs around the outside of the lagoon. The large number of birds, both in quantity and species, together with the relaxing walk make this a tranquil birdingplace. Many waterfowl such as New Zealand Scaup, Grey Teal, Australian Shoveler, Mallard, Pacific Black Duck, and more are always present on the lake. In the past a rare Australian visitor has been living on the lake - a Chestnut Teal. Besides four shag species, White-faced Heron and Royal Spoonbill, also waders add to the bird diversity. A noteable sighting in summer are Black-fronted Dotterel. Besides many New Zealand Fantail flopping around the path, you are likely to run into the typical native and invasive passerines, such as Dunnock.
The Grovetown Lagoon lies about 1 km East of State Highway 1 and about 5 km North of Bleinheim. In Grovetown, turn from the 1 into Fell Streeet and follow it to the end, there continuing on Steam Whar Road to the carpark. Click on the P in the map for directions or coordinates.
The track is flat and depending on whether conditions might be wheelchair accessible. But the picnic area with the public toilet next to the carpark already offers a great birding spot.
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