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Welcome to the peaceful valley of Butterfly Creek, Wellington, stretching out lazily over the hills behind Eastbourne. There are four tracks that lead to the picnic area. Of these, the Kowhai Track is the easiest and most direct. History of Butterfly Creek, Wellington When Europeans arrived at Wellington in 1839 to set up a settlement, the southern shores of Fitzroy Bay was under the occupation of the Maoris. Te Atiawa from Pitoni visited Parangarehu (just north of Baring Head) seasonally to fish and collect berries. It was also an important cultivation site. To reach the coastal settlements of Pencarrow, Maori developed a network of routes along the eastern bay ridges. It was on of these routes that we currently know as the track of Butterfly Creek, Wellington. There are various stories about the origin of the name of Butterfly Creek. It is believed that the creek was so named around the 1930s, as according to one theory, Butterfly Creek came from a strange patch of lighter colored vegetation in Gollans Valley, which could be seen from the top of the Matipo Street track that was exactly in the shape of a butterfly. Butterfly Creek, Wellington today Today, Butterfly Creek, Wellington is a part of East Harbour Regional Park. Hutt City Council owns the land and it is managed by Greater Wellington. Here visitors can relish the luxuriant green environs that surrounds them, including the open beech forest on the tops and more lush vegetation in the valley itself with pukatea, kahikatea and nikau regenerating strongly. Though there is a bit of walking to do here but what once you see the crystalline waters, and fabulous panoramas you will realize that it was well worth the effort. Those who love to hike will enjoy hiking through bush reserve on well-maintained tracks. This is the best way to access Butterfly Creek from Eastbourne Coastal Village.
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