Flora and Fauna
Despite the heavy deforestation and clearance of native bush that took place during early settlement, a diverse range of wildlife and plant life populates the Port Hills. Native birds such as the bellbird (korimako or koparara) fantail, silvereye, grey warbler and shining cuckoo are commonly found in the remaining bush. While the wood pigeon often seen in the area is a native to New Zealand others, such as the Common Blackbird, Common Chaffinch and Song Thrush are introduced and very populous species. As well as a great many insect species, gecko and skink are commonly found.
Indigenous plant species such as Banks Peninsula hebe inhabit rock crevices along with rare ferns. The more exposed hillsides are covered with silver tussock and other native grasses, unusually so for an area so close to urban development.
The remaining podocarp forest contains 500-600 year old matai, totara and kahikatea trees as well as fruit and flowering species such as kowhai, ribbonwood, mahoe, cabbage trees, kanuka and fuchsia.
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—Louis Aragon (1897–1982)