The Manawatu Estuary is an estuary at the mouth of the Manawatu River, near Foxton Beach in the lower North Island of New Zealand. It is a wetland of international significance as one of the few Ramsar sites in New Zealand. At approximately 250 hectares (620 acres),[2] the Manawatu Estuary is the largest estuary in the lower North Island.[3]
A total of 93 different bird species have been identified at the estuary. In 2005 the estuary attained Ramsar status.[4]
During spring migratory birds arrive for the summer at the estuary, including the bar-tailed godwit, red knot, Pacific golden plover, Japanese snipe, wandering tattler and whimbrel.[5]
See also
References
- ^ "Manawatu river mouth and estuary". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- ^ "Manawatu Estuary". The National Wetland Trust. Retrieved 5 February 2013.
- ^ "Manawatu Estuary Management Plan: 2007-2012". Horizons Regional Council. Retrieved 5 February 2013.
- ^ "Manawatu Estuary". Department of Conservation. Retrieved 5 February 2013.
- ^ "Birsding Sites - Manawatu Estuary". New Zealand Birds Limited. Retrieved 6 February 2013.