Meads Recreation Reserve, Lee Valley

Meads Recreation Reserve is located on the true right (northern) bank of the Lee River just upstream from the Meads Road Bridge. It covers a river terrace with prominent rock outcrops and hollows. A vehicle track traverses the reserve providing easy access to several sheltered picnic areas and the river’s edge.

Amenities

• Picnic
• Toilets
• Swimming
• River

The reserve is a very popular recreation area, especially for swimming and picnicking during the summer months. It borders an attractive section of the Lee River with several swimming holes.

Vegetation

A large part of the reserve is maintained as mown grass, with clumps of kanuka and smaller clumps of beech trees.  A native mistletoe (Ileostylis micranthus) is present in the reserve. 

History

The former Waimea County Council purchased this area for a recreation reserve in 1976, and a draft management plan was prepared in 1985 . The plan proposed protection and enhancement of flora and fauna while providing recreational access to the Lee River.

Management

Important management issues include the continued control of aggressive weeds, further development of recreational facilities, and the protection of native vegetation, especially the forest remnant at the southern end of the reserve.