Visitor information
Entrances from Styx Mill Road and Husseys Road.
Gate closures are administered by ADT security. A callout fee will be charged to release vehicles
Things to consider:
- Styx Mill is a rubbish-free park, please take your rubbish home with you.
- The reserve has a dog park. The Dog Control Policy - Map 03 - Styx Mill Reserve [PDF 4.59MB] has more information.
About the reserve
The Styx Mill Conservation Reserve is approximately 57 hectares, extending along the Styx River for nearly 1.6km. The reserve forms part of the natural river corridor associated with the Styx River and provides a diversity of site conditions and opportunities.
The Styx Mill Conservation Reserve provides a great place for walks, picnics and the opportunity to enjoy nature not far from urban life. A dog exercise park makes it a great place to take your dog.
When Maori lived in this area the extensive wetlands and easy access to the sea made the Styx an important area for mahinga kai (food gathering) and for the cultivation and harvesting of flax.
During European settlement the area was used for a number of purposes including sheep farming. The river was used to drive waterwheels and provided an important source of power for sawmills, flaxmills, and flourmills.
The Styx Mill Conservation Reserve area came into public ownership in the 1970s. Development began in the 1980s. Today the community plays an important role in the future developments of the reserve. This is to ensure that this natural resource provides enjoyment for our community and its ecological values are retained and further enhanced.
Wildlife
The Styx River contains 10 species of freshwater fish of which only the brown trout has been introduced. Eight of the nine native fish species require sea access so clear passage through the reserve is essential for their survival. Styx Mill Conservation Reserve also is an important spawning ground.
A survey undertaken in December 2002 established that 46 bird species occur within the reserve. Half of these are wetland birds. Loss of habitat caused by urban encroachment makes the Reserve an even more important area for wildlife.
Plant life
A wide variation of ground conditions allows for a wide range of vegetation throughout the reserve.
At the drier western end largely exotic plants tolerant of silty ground conditions have been planted. In the central lakes area, a stronger native theme emerges. To the east mainly native wetland species are encouraged.
The Reserve contains several locally uncommon species including; Baumea rubiginosa, Carex flagellifera, Carex flaviformis, Carex maorica, Carex sinclarii, Potentilla anserinoides, Schoenus apogon, Schoenus pauciflours and Juncus planifolius.
Community involvement
Extensive consultation with the community and tangata whenua plays an important role with regard to future developments or change within the Styx Catchment. Much of this began with the Styx River Happening at Spencer Park in March 1999, followed by workshop and focus group discussions.
Community interest in the Styx resulted in the formation of the Guardians of the Styx Charitable Trust. This group’s aim is to promote the protection, restoration, and raise awareness of the values of the Styx River and its environs.
A sub group also formed called the Styx History Group aim to research the local history of the river and its surrounding area. The particular period being researched began with European settlement about 1850 and continues up to the present day. Information collected may be used as the basis for publication.
Membership of the Guardians of the Styx is open to any interested person who supports the group’s aims. Members pay a small annual subscription.
The Styx Community-monitoring Programme is another project involving community participation. This programme involves the observation of headwater flow patterns along the upper reaches of the Styx River and its tributaries.
Contact us
Styx Mill Reserve Park Ranger
Email:
styxmillreserveparkranger@ccc.govt.nz
