Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve
Alert/Important notice
Beware of soft sand near water.
The changing course of the river affects the water table beneath the sand and can cause quicksand conditions.
Introduction
At Waikanae Estuary, freshwater from the Tararua Ranges meets the saltwater of the Kapiti coast. This mixing of the waters and the ever shifting river mouth create an environment of rich plant and animal communities. More species of coastal and aquatic birds visit Waikanae Estuary than any other site on the Wellington coast.
Location
Waikanae Estuary is located between Paraparaumu and Waikanae on the Kapiti coast north of Wellington.
Getting there
The main entry points into the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve are on Manly St North, Paraparaumu Beach. One track leads out onto the seaward side of the lagoon and the other follows the inland side of the estuary.
Waikanae Estuary
Features
Flora and fauna
More than 60 species of birds breed at the Waikanae Estuary, including banded dotterel, variable oystercatcher, pukeko and dabchick. Carpets of remuremu, Selliera radicans, grow in the firm mud along the waters of the estuary.
History
Middens, observation posts, pa and burial grounds are reminders of early Maori who moved through the area. Ngati Apa, Rangitane and Muaupokowere were followed by Ngati Toa, Te Ati Awa and Ngati Raukawa. The estuary is the site of the 1839 Battle of Kuititanga where Te Ati Awa, who had established pa on both sides of the estuary, fought Ngati Raukawa, forcing them to flee to Otaki. The area is sacred to the people of Te Ati Awa ki Whakarongotai who are tangata whenua of this area.
Activities
Bird watching
Fishing
Bird watching, whitebaiting, walking and picnicking are among the activities you can enjoy at Waikanae Estuary and Paraparaumu Beach.
Walk along the sand spit and river banks and see wading birds, such as variable oystercatchers and banded dotterels, digging for worms and shellfish in the tidal zone. Keep an eye out for Caspian terns. They are the largest of the terns and have a stout red bill.
You might also be lucky enough to see a royal spoonbill in the estuary using its paddle-like bill to stir up small animals from the mud.
Whitebait fishing is permitted in the reserve by a gazette notice, from 15 August and 30 November (inclusive).
There are many picturesque places to have a picnic. Please stay on designated trails, though, as birds nest on the beach sand and eggs blend into the sand.
Plan and prepare
Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve contains rare plants and wildlife, and fragile habitats.
Please remember
Activities that may cause damage, such as lighting fires, hunting, mountain biking and trail bike riding, are not permitted.
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times Please remove your rubbish. Recycle paper, glass, cans and plastic.
back to top