Gittos Domain

Size: 15 hectares

Area description

Gittos Domain is a coastal, south-facing local park in Blockhouse Bay. According to historic records, the area was cleared for farming and the establishment of a tannery in 1882. Pine trees were planted during this period.

Gittos Domain path in Blockhouse Bay wearing through the forest.
A typical section of the Gittos Domain path in Blockhouse Bay.
Photo credit: Auckland Council 2019

Ecosystem values of Gittos Domain

The vegetation across most of the site is reasonably young, indicating it may be regenerating following a fire. There is a strip of coastal broadleaved forest (WF4) along the coastal margin above the steep cliffs. Young kānuka-dominated scrub and forest (VS2) is regenerating across the hillslopes inland of the coastal edge with pine trees scattered through. 

There is also approximately one hectare of gumland (WL1.2) on the western side of the reserve.

Gumlands were once much more widespread. Frequent fires, urban development, weed invasion and other factors have permanently altered many of the original gumlands. As a consequence of this loss, this ecosystem type is critically endangered in the Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland region.

Gittos Domain in Blockhouse Bay and the surrounding suburbs.
A historic aerial photo of Gittos Domain and the surrounding suburb of Blockhouse Bay.

Species

Gumlands tend to occupy soils where kauri leaf litter has altered the soil chemistry. The soil becomes water-logged during periods of heavy rain and has low levels of fertility. Only native plants tolerant of these conditions can grow in gumlands. 

The gumland vegetation in this biodiversity focus area includes species such as:

  • mānuka
  • Schoenus tendo
  • tangle fern
  • mingimingi
  • sword sedge
  • kumarahou
  • tetraria
  • gumland grass tree.

The grass-leaved greenhood orchid (Pterostylis graminea) is abundant in patches under mānuka.

Threats

Weeds tend to be a problem in gumlands and at this site, Sydney golden wattle is the most abundant weed. Hakea, brush wattle, pampas and gorse are also present. Climbing asparagus - a particularly invasive weed, is widespread throughout the reserve. 

The weeds within the reserve are being controlled by Auckland Council.

A section of forest in Gittos Domain with sunlight streaming in.
Gumland species occupy the understorey in Gittos Domain, Blockhouse Bay.
Photo credit: Auckland Council 2020

Related ecosystems

Regenerating ecosystem

Kānuka scrub and forest ecosystem (VS2)

Found throughout New Zealand, kānuka dominated forest establishes readily after fire. It's diverse range of flowering and fruiting shrubs and trees provide habitat for a wide range of invertebrates, birds and lizards.

Threat status
Least concern

Warm forest ecosystem

Pōhutukawa, pūriri, broadleaved forest ecosystem (WF4)

Scattered along Auckland's coastlines, this broadleaved forest ecosystem provides an important source of food for kererū. They are also important seed dispersers for many species in this ecosystem.

Threat status
Endangered

Wetland ecosystem

Mānuka, gumland grass tree – Machaerina scrub and sedgeland ecosystem (WL1)

Gumlands, a wetland / shrubland ecosystem, occurs on low-fertility soils in low lying areas. Many threatened flora and fauna are present including orchids, sundews and lizards.

Threat status
Critically endangered