Wetlands you can visit in the Auckland Region

Know of a New Zealand wetland with public access? Tell us

 

Ambury Regional Park
Photo: Tim Lovegrove	Harbour, intertidal mudflats Ambury Regional Park contains one of six important roost sites in the Manukau Harbour.  The Harbour supports over 85 bird species, and up to 50,000 waders in season, including bar-tailed godwit, red knot, white heron, royal spoonbill, black stilt, wrybill and NZ dotterel. The Park and adjacent estuary have significant wader bird habitat, constructed high tide roosts and extensive regeneration plantings.  Bird hide, camping, walks, picnic facilities. Start of a 7 km coastal walk to historic Otuataua Stonefields and Ihumatao fossil forest. More information
Tawharanui Regional Park
Photo courtesy NZ Tramping Tracks	Freshwater and coastal wetland complex Tawharanui Regional Park is a wildlife sanctuary and coastal farm park protected by a predator-proof fence.   A complex of coastal lagoon, saline wetlands and restored freshwater wetlands provides habitat for Australasian bittern, spotless crake, North Island fernbird, blue reef heron and variable oystercatchers. The rare pateke (brown teal) have been re-introduced and are thriving within the predator-free sanctuary. Boardwalks, camping, picnic sites, beaches, bird watching. More information
Waiatarua Wetland
	Restored freshwater wetland This 20 hectare wetland in Meadowbank, Central Auckland has been recently restored by Auckland City Council following drainage in the 1930's. Birds sighted include kotuku (the rare white heron), harrier hawks, scaup, Caspian terns, little black shag and shoveler duck. The reserve also provides recreational space for a variety of uses. Paved walkways, bird-watching, viewing platform, picnic area. More information
Whatipu Dunes, West Auckland
Photo: Monica Peters	Dune wetlands, ephemeral wetlands, saltmeadows A spectacular wilderness area, Whatipu is an extensive (1 km wide) sand flat on Auckland's rugged west coast. Ponds impounded by stabilised dunes support white-faced herons, little shags, bittern, spotless crake, fernbirds and pied stilt. In the dune hollows and damp sand flats, saltmeadows with a range of herbs, including the rare sand spike sedge (Eleocharis neozelandica) are found. Wilderness experience, birdwatching, walking (no formed tracks), camping, lodge. No dogs allowed. Note the beach is not safe for swimming. More information

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Last updated 30 July 2009

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