Discover Native Mistletoe at Lake Ōhau
Nestled in the picturesque region surrounding Lake Ōhau and the Hopkins Valley, the native mistletoe, known as pirita in Māori, thrives in abundance at the DOC Round Bush Campsite. Just three kilometres along Lake Ōhau Road, this area provides a rare chance to observe these plants in their natural environment.
Exploring the Campsite
Upon entering the campsite, you'll find an open area on the lakefront to your right, with the lakeside beech forest to your left. The campsite has basic amenities and features a sign highlighting the forest as a pirita habitat.
Although spotting pirita can be challenging in a forest with tall trees, many here are visible at heights of two to three metres. As you venture into the forest, you'll notice large, well-established shrubs hanging from the trees. The ideal time to see them in bloom is during December and January.
Types of Mistletoe
The area is home to three types of pirita: scarlet mistletoe (Peraxilla colensoi), red mistletoe (Peraxilla tetrapetala), and yellow mistletoe (Alepis flavida). These parasitic plants grow on trees, with beech trees being a particularly favoured host. Once widespread in New Zealand's beech forests, pirita has declined due to browsing by invasive animals, especially possums. However, the Ōhau Conservation Trust has been actively working to protect the plants in this region.
How to get there
To reach the DOC Round Bush Campsite from State Highway 8 in the Mackenzie Basin, take Lake Ōhau Road all the way to the end of the sealed section at the Lake Ohau Lodge. Continue north alongside the lake on the gravel road for another 3 km.
Other attractions around Lake Ōhau and the Hopkins Valley include the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail around the lake and across the face of Ohau Range, Lake Middleton and the Temple Viewpoint Track.
