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
Tuna kuwharuwharu/Longfin Eel Anguilla dieffenbachii
Native. At risk-declining.
Mainly a nocturnal species, they live in rivers and lakes but can also be found in most types of water, usually inland from the coast but can equally survive in farm drains, dams and large ponds even if the water is quite murky water. Most habitats would have some bank shading. A second species, Tuna Hinahina/Shortfin Eel A. australis is also found in our rivers but is not as abundant.
Breeding takes place only once in their lifetime when they migrate some 5000 km across the Pacific to lay their eggs off the coast of Tonga, after which they die. Spawn drifts back to Aotearoa New Zealand on sea currents, hatching en route. On entering freshwater to start their migration up-stream they change into "glass eel" and it could be up to 80 years before these repeat the journey.
The Department of Conservation produces an excellent information sheet which includes links to an activity book and many other aspects of their lives.