Auckland wetlands

With over 800 km of coastline, Kaipara Harbour is New Zealand’s largest enclosed harbour and estuarine system with a high diversity of habitats including freshwater swamps, saline wetlands, coastal scrub and forests. The harbour is an important habitat for a large number of migratory waterfowl as well as a major breeding area and roosting site for some species.

Places to visit

The Lake Ototoa Scenic Reserve contains one of several dune lakes on the south Kaipara Peninsula and is accessible from Ototoa Road and Donahues Road. It is a popular fishing spot and the site is used for triathlons and outdoor education.

There are a number of small freshwater dune lakes on the coast near Wellsford with Tomarata Lake having a well formed walking track along the seaward side.