Swamp ecosystems are widespread and varied. They are most often found in the basins, valley floors, deltas and plains of Northland, Waikato, coastal Bay of Plenty, and Southland. Swamps are fertile and fed by both ground and surface water. They receive nutrients and sediments from nearby land and are comprised of both mineral soils and well decomposed peat. Water tables fluctuate significantly.

Swamp plants include include sedges, rushes, reeds, flax, tall herbs, or mānuka, often intermingled, and also forest trees such as kahikatea, pukatea, swamp maire (maire tawake), and cabbage trees (ti kouka). Swamps also often have invasive willow trees present.

The expected natural range* of swamp ecosystems is 1,833,245 hectares.

More info: Wetland Restoration Handbook

*area this ecosystem could occupy without the presence of people.