It was a wildlife watcher’s dream as a menagerie of creatures were spotted in Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs in Wānaka on World Wetlands Day on Sunday (February 2).

Seen in the pristine spring creek were a koaro, a longfin eel and brown trout, and among the birds there were bellbirds, a covey of California quail and a brood of mallard ducklings.

There were also 300 humans who picnicked, played and discovered more about nature at the family fun event hosted by Otago Fish & Game and Friends of Bullock Creek with a group of partner organisations.

The two-hectare wetland is the site of a former Fish & Game hatchery and an ongoing restoration project with Friends of Bullock Creek and the Department of Corrections.

Fish & Game Central Otago operations manager Jamie Ward said the event was a success, showing the importance of wetlands and the work of local organisations caring for the environment.

“Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs is loved and valued by Wānaka locals,” Jamie said.

Visitors wandered through the QEII-covenanted site learning about the work of Fish & Game, Friends of Bullock Creek, Wai Wānaka, Te Kakano, Wānaka Backyard Trapping, Tiaki Bees, Otago Regional Council, Otago Catchment Community and Queen Elizabeth II National Trust.

“Thanks to all our partners and volunteers who made this event happen, and to the Fish & Game councillors who made an appearance,” Jamie said.

He acknowledged Friends of Bullock Creek trustee Andy Oxley were for her “vision, drive and enthusiasm” to make the day a success.

“We have been thrilled at the support of the event by the Wānaka community and most particularly by many of our neighbours for whom Bullock Creek is literally in their backyard,” Andy said.

“Since 2016, when Friends of Bullock Creek Trust began to restore the Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs to its native state, we have been lucky to be collaborating with other inspirational local environmental groups: in particular Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust, Wai Wānaka, and Wānaka Backyard Trapping (now Predator Free Wānaka).”

“Friends of Bullock Creek are also incredibly grateful for all the hard work of our volunteers and financial support from Corrections NZ, Central Lakes Trust, ORC EcoFund, Otago Catchment Communities and Patagonia.”

Jamie said only nine per cent of New Zealand’s original wetlands still existed.

“As a not-for-profit organisation, Otago Fish & Game advocates to restore and protect freshwater ecosystems with evidence-based, sustainable management, guided democratically by our community of anglers and hunters.”