Manawatū Estuary Explained

Manawatu river mouth and estuary
Location:	North Island, New Zealand
Nearest City:	Foxton Beach
Coordinates:	-40.4768°N 175.212°W

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 250ha,^[1] the Manawatu Estuary is the largest estuary in the lower North Island.^[2]

A total of 93 different bird species have been identified at the estuary. In 2005 the estuary attained Ramsar status.^[3]

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.^[4]

See also

• Wetlands of New Zealand
• Environment of New Zealand

Notes and References

1. Web site: Manawatu Estuary. The National Wetland Trust. 5 February 2013.
2. Web site: Manawatu Estuary Management Plan: 2007-2012. Horizons Regional Council. 5 February 2013.
3. Web site: Manawatu Estuary. Department of Conservation. 5 February 2013.
4. Web site: Birsding Sites - Manawatu Estuary. New Zealand Birds Limited. 6 February 2013.