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
Kakīānau/Black Swan Cygnus atratus
Native. Not threatened.
A large black bird (1.3m in length), the Black Swan has white wingtips which can be seen when flying. The red beak has a white band near the tip. It flies with slow wing beats, its neck outstretched, landing heavily on water and needing a good, splashing runoff to get airborne again.
The Black Swan is vegetarian and feeds mostly on aquatic plants, by reaching down into the water with its long neck. When water levels are too high for it to reach the plants it normal feeds on it resorts to pasture and causes problems for farmers. It's usually found on lakes and other wide areas of fresh or brackish water, but non-breeders also inhabit estuaries. It's usually seen in flocks, the members of which communicate with low honking sounds.
Females are smaller than males while juveniles are grey with black feathers coming through as they age. Parents are fiercely protective of their grey fluffy bundles so be warned.
Kuihi/Canada Goose Branta canadensis
Introduced, Not assessed.
This large North American goose was first introduced to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1905 and soon spread throughout.
As these geese are grazers they are frequently seen in pastoral areas but also inhabit lakes, rivers and coastal areas, especially after the moult as these provide much security as they are unable to fly for several weeks. They are considered pests in some areas.
Males are much heavier than females weighing up to 8.5 kg with females several kg lighter. Their plumage is quite distinctive with the neck and head coloured black with a white cheek patch which stretches to just under the chin. Upperparts are brown while underparts are either white, a lighter shade of brown or a mixture of both. Juveniles lack the intensity of colour while goslings are a yellowish grey colour. They are noisy birds, especially when flying in the classic V formation.
Kuruwhengi/Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis
Native. Not threatened.
The Australasian Shoveler is a dabbling duck, getting most of its food from the surface of water or mud which it filters through the lamellae (hair-like structures) on the upper edge of the top mandible (bill). Invertebrates and seeds form the bulk of their diet. The beak itself is a major feature of the species, and the shape gives the bird its name.
Males are quite distinctive with their blue-grey head and neck with a white crescent at the base of their bill. Mottled brown and white breast, chestnut flanks, and a white patch at the base of the tail. Females are a mottled brown with dull brown bill and eyes. Out of the breeding season some males develop female-like plumage.
Lowland coastal swamps, freshwater lakes and wetlands plus occasionally the open sea are favoured habitats for this fast-flying species. It is seen in the estuary at most time of the year.
Tētē-moroiti/Grey Teal Anas gracilis
Native. Not threatened.
The Grey Teal is seen on the river, mostly at dawn and dusk. It seeks refuge in the estuary during the shooting season (starting in May) but at other times solitary pairs can be observed fairly close to the tide line. Pairs can often be seen on the ponds and waterways around Holben Reserve
Grey Teal is a small dabbling duck with a dark crown and a pale throat and cheek. The eye is red, and the beak and legs are black. It can be distinguished from the Grey Duch and Mallards by its lack of facial stripes and its much smaller size.
Generally found on shallow fresh water with plenty of cover., it flies with a quick wingbeat when disturbed Although it isn't a gamebird, it is often mistaken for Grey Duck or Shoveler and shot.
Rakiraki/Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Introduced. Not assessed.
Male Mallard has a glossy green head, a white ring around the neck, a chestnut breast, orange feet, and a grey back. The female is much less showy, with upperparts patterned in browns and lower parts pale. She has a pale line above the eye and a dark line through the eye and looks similar to the Pārera/Grey Duck. The female can be distinguished by her darker throat and by the lines above and below the eye, which are much less distinct than in the grey duck. The dark stripe through the eye on Mallard is also much less distinct. Greys and Mallards are capable of hybridising, so some intermediate versions may be seen, especially in the males. Unfortunately, this is likely to result in the extinction of this species in Aotearoa New Zealand. Take a good look at those in the estuary and see the plumage variation.
The Mallard is a dabbling duck, which means it feeds from the surface of shallow water and doesn't usually dive for its food, which consists of aquatic invertebrates and plants. It may pick things off the surface or upend itself and reach down into the water, its tail sticking up.