There's plenty to see and do at the estuary.
The estuary walkway provides beautiful views, and there are signs along the way providing information about some of the birds you might see.
There is a lot of interesting wildlife at the estuary. As well as birds, the estuary is also home to some interesting plants and is an important habitat for native fish.
The Manawatū Estuary Trust enjoys giving people the opportunity to learn more about this amazing environ
Autetaranga/Sand Daphne Pimelea villosa
Endemic. At risk-declining.
This plant is on the threatened species list as it is either scarce or extinct over much of Aotearoa New Zealand. Multiple threats are recorded and similar to those of other dune plants with the addition of grazing by possums and rodents eating seeds.
Full grown plants can reach 1.5m and accumulate large amounts of sand, making them effective sand binders. Although it is difficult to propagate from seed, it is thriving and propagating profusely all year round in the Dune Garden, including in some of the wetland areas. Ngāti Raukawa accords Autetaranga a special place as a decorative plant in their traditions.
CoastalRestorationtrust- Sand Daphne