Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour

Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour is an important place for many different people. The mana whenua of Ngāti Wheke, residents and visitors all share a love for the harbour and surrounding bays.

Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour’s vision is to ensure the area’s ecological and cultural health as mahinga kai is restored for us and our children after us.

Our focus

The Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour plan targets six ecological areas for change. Each ecological band is of equal importance and will help weave our korowai for the Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour catchment.

Rocky outcrops and indigenous forests

Streams

Hills and lowlands

Wetlands and saltmarsh

Taihua/Foreshore

Harbour

The future of Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour

Be a change-maker

News and events

31 July 2026

Te Wharau Stream’s native fish survive major flood

Environmental DNA testing revealed native fish survived February's devastating flood in Te Wharau Stream, offering hope for the stream's biodiversity.

11 December 2025

‘Marine hotels’: Invertebrate lodgings provide insights into Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour’s health

Marine scientist Dr Joyce Yager has constructed multi-platform ‘marine hotels’ in Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour, which offer clues about the harbour's health.

16 October 2025

‘WOPPers’ wipe out 4500 pests in two years around Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour

Whaka-Ora Pest Project volunteers around Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour are trapping pests to protect native wildlife like tūī, kererū, wētā, and lizards.