Pekapeka is one of the few remaining large wetlands in Hawke’s Bay.
Formed around 9600 BC, It is Believed to be one of the oldest wetlands in New Zealand. It has a high biodiversity value and was ranked by the Department of Conservation, as the second most ecologically valuable wetland in Hawke’s Bay. PEKAPEKA wetlands now have many protected bird species and over 80 native and introduced plant species. Wetlands were for a long time not valued for the important systems that they are. For many years Pekapeka was used as an illegal dump. In the 1990’s Hawke’s Bay Regional Council with the help of community support, stared the development work on the wetland to regulate the flood water and increase the natural biodiversity. This major project made PEKAPEKA wetland as an attraction for both locals and visitors to Hawke’s Bay.