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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.
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The Manawatū Estuary Trust enjoys giving people the opportunity to learn more about this amazing environ
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Retoreto/Red Azolla Azolla rubra
Native. Not assessed.
This is perhaps Aotearoa New Zealand's most unusual species of fern is as much as it is entirely aquatic, being found on ponds, slow-flowing streams and ditches.
It is found throughout both Islands but has predominantly been replaced in Northland by an introduced Australian species. Also, found throughout the Pacific reaching as far as India.
As can be seen from the photograph it can form dense patches which can cover entire areas. Usually brick red or glaucous green it produces spores which are dispersed either by wind, water or by attaching themselves to anything that move through their environment.
NZPCN-Azolla rubra
iNaturalist-Red Azolla
Rauarahu/Austral Bracken Pteridium esculentum
Native. Not threatened
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Thought by many to be the bracken of the Northern Hemisphere it is in fact native to parts of Southeast Asia, the Islands, Australia and New Zealand and is easily distinguished from its northern cousin by its more delicate foliage.
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It is a fairly robust plant which grows from underground rhizomes and spreads quickly in disturbed ground to the extent that it can quickly become a serious pest.
As can be seen in the photograph the frond are upright and are triangular when fully open.
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It is said that this species is less toxic to stock than other species but can still prove detrimental if eaten over long periods. Rhizomes are reputed to be edible.
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