High degree of wetland naturalness. ²

Scarce in Otago in terms of its ecological or physical character. Less than 15% of swamps remain in Otago. ²

High diversity of indigenous wetland flora and fauna.  The moist copper tussock wetland, although modified, contains a wide variety of wetland species. Copper tussock, toetoe, purei and common rush (Juncus effusus) make up the canopy and various mosses, liverworts, rushes and herbs make up the ground layer (see Bibby 1997, 98 p121, for full description). ¹