New Zealand Walk: Manawatu Estuary - walks in

Manawatu Estuary - walks in an unique area

The Manawatu Estuary at Foxton Beach is a well known birding place recognised for the large variety of birds which can be easily seen – 93 species have been identified there. It is the largest estuary on the West Coast of the southern part of the North Island, about 250 ha in all, comprising sand banks and a large area of salt marsh which is fairly inaccessible. For that reason it is home Above left: The bird lookout in the pine trees. Above right: Looking east towards the Tararua Ranges. Below left: Looking upstream towards the boat ramp. Subscribe or renew your subscription to Walking New Zealand today and you can save up to 20% off the cover price.

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to rare birds and a good breeding place for native fish.

The estuary is a feeding ground for a flock of godwits and knots from Alaska and Siberia, and every year a Welcome and Farewell to the Birds is held to give the public a close-up view of the different migratory species. These events are held close to the equinox each March and October.

The Manawatu Estuary, where 6,000 km2 of hinterland from the Wairarapa and Manawatu drains into the Tasman Sea, is a feeding ground for many birds. The Estuary is a RAMSAR site, designated a Wetland of International Importance because of its rare natural habitat and its threatened species of birds.

Ninety three species of birds have been recorded here, giving the estuary one of the highest diversities in the country. The birds include godwits, wrybills, and spoonbills. Godwits are arctic migrants that each year make the trip here all the way around the world from Alaska and Siberia. The estuary has a small population of about 30 spoonbills, and in areas upstream of the map there are bitterns and fernbirds.

Wading birds are best viewed at high tide, when the water is higher and pushes the birds up shore. For tides check the spots marked X on the lap. If these spots are wet, the tide is in! Do not approach roosting birds — they are trying to rest! Stay at least 50m from the birds to reduce their stress levels, and ensure your pet dogs do not spook them either.

There are three walks in the area:

Walk 1 — This track takes you upstream on a footpath along the edge of the mudflats towards the viewing platform for the wader birds’ main high tide roosting ground. Approach quietly so as not to spook the birds. Expect to see godwits (in summer), knots, and perhaps a wrybill. The walk will take 5-10 minutes one way. Alternatively you can drive to Dawick Street, though parking is limited there!

Walk 2 — This is the vehicle track that leads down to the river mouth through the dunes. There is legal

Above right: Two godwits on the feeding ground.

Middle right: Information sign.

Below right: Looking across to the forest on the other side of the river.

Manawatu Estuary - walks in an unique area

vehicle access down this route to the beach, but it isn’t recommended for 2WD, and besides vehicles unsettle the birds.

You should see both waders and seabirds. If you get lost in the dunes on the way back just look for the pines low on the mudflats; these make a good landmark for finding the vehicle track again.

Stick to the more open areas of dunes or grassland. It will take 15-20 minutes to reach the ocean on foot. Watch out for incoming tides.

Walk 3 — This track goes into the grass and scrub and eventually down to the beach. It’s a bit overgrown at the start, but the rest is clear. If you want to return by the same route make sure you check out where you emerge onto the beach.

Here you should see ocean birds like black-backed gulls. Allow 10-15 minutes one way.

Fact file

How to get there: The estuary is at Foxton Beach; drive five km west of State Highway 1 in Foxton. Walking access is off Holben Parade, park by the picnic shelter, or drive down a sandy track past the old boat club.

Key facts for visitors: There is a great bird watching site with a large variety of birds seen from the Dawick Street viewing platform, which also has a bird identification sign

The Estuary was established as a Ramsar Site on 25/7/2005.

The Ramsar Monument can be seen in the esplanade by the wharf and boating club.

The Manawatu Estuary Trust plays a significant role in looking after and advising on the management of this area. They have produced an educational CD ROM.

Nearby Holben Reserve has a picnic spot, toilets, etc., and there is are several cafés at Foxton Beach with more in the town ship of Foxton.

The Manawatu Estuary is easily accessed by a ten minute drive coastwards from SH1 in Foxrton to the village at Foxton Beach.

Above left: A view of the wetlands from the lookout in the pine trees.