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
Events
The Manawatū Estuary Trust and several local organisations and Agencies periodically hold events which enhance both peoples' enjoyment and protection of the area, giving the opportunity to learn more about this very special place. There are two main activities which occur once or twice a year and several, mainly centred around weeding pest plants which are undertaken on either weekly or a fortnightly basis.
Dates for the two big events will be published on both this and on the Wildlife Foxton Trust website, plus other local organisations media and through Horizons Regional Council and Horowhenua District Council. Following local facebook pages will also notify of up-coming events. Details on main calendar if available.
Welcome and Farewell the Godwits
The estuary hosts a farewell (March/April) and a welcome back (September/October) for the migrating Bar-tailed Godwit (see calendar for details) which use the area either as a summer residence or a stop-off resting/feeding place en-route to other places. Some birds on their way back to Aotearoa New Zealand from Alaska can fly 11-13,000 km non-stop to get here in as little as 7 days.
The event is held around the viewing platform on Dawick Street and hosted by the Manawatū Estuary Trust who provide spotting scopes to view the birds at close range. Dr Phil Battley, a renowned authority, acts as master of ceremonies, providing an insight into these birds and their amazing flights
Planting Sessions
For several years, Horowhenua District Council (HDC) and Horizons Regional Council (HRC) have been funding both the purchase and growing of Kōwhangatara/Spinifex and Pingao for the dunes at Foxton Beach to aid stabilisation of the dunes and thanks to a generous donation from Horizons Regional Council's Pūtea Hapori Urupare Āhuarangi Community Response Fund, Wildlife Foxton Trust were able to successfully grow 3000 Kōwhangatara/Spinifex plants in 2023 and 2024. In 2024 Central Districts 4 X 4 Club also donated over a 1000 Spinifex plants. Wildlife Foxton Trust continues to grow both species.
Volunteers from a number of local and regional groups, plus representatives from both HRC and HDC participated in the planting of these important species for the protection of the dunes. Wildlife Foxton Trust and Manawatū Estuary Trust websites will include notices of further planting days, as will both facebook pages and other publications in the area.
Weeding Sessions
One of the main areas of concern around the estuary and the area in general is the profusion of invasive weeds that are taking over, crowding out native species, many of which are at risk. A number of local enthusiasts spend a considerable amount of time trying to keep them under control and are to be found every Wednesday morning and alternate Sunday mornings at various points around the estuary attending to pest species. It is not all hard work and is a brilliant way to learn about the special plants that are to be found in this amazing place. If you are interested in helping with this important activity, please make contact through the contact MET page.
MAJOR CLEARANCE SESSIONS
Apart from the weeding sessions mentioned above, periodically groups come together at various locations such as the loop at Foxton and Waitarere Beach, to undertake major clearance of pest plants such as poplar, willow, ragwort and acacia. Major rubblish clearance is also carried out. These are normally run in conjunction with Horowhenua District Council so keep looking at the events calendar for any upcoming events
