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
Kōtare/Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus
Native. Not threatened.
A common bird throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Found in small numbers around the Estuary being seen most frequently perched on posts, branches and power lines, a particular favourite spot.
They feed on a variety of prey types
such as crabs, fish and large insects
but other species are eaten as they
become seasonally available.
Kingfishers mostly catch their food
by plunging from perches. These
favoured spots can have pellets, the
undigested parts of their diet,
beneath and are an indicator of what
they have been eating.
They nest in a hollow excavated in a
stump or bank where up to five eggs
are laid.
nzbirdsonline-sacred kingfisher
