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
IN-PAGE INDEX
INVASIVE SPECIES
Karaihe/European Marram Grass Calamagrostris arenaria
Introduced. Not assessed.
Probably the worst pest species we have in the dune system at Foxton Beach. It wasn’t always thought to be and had previously been widely planted as a means of stabilising sand erosion.
A deep-rooted species which creates high dunes through its deep penetrating roots. Unfortunately, as can be seen in the photograph opposite, these can cause the dune to collapse.
The planting of native sand-binders such as Pingao and Spinifex has been undertaken at the dunes for several years now, and in time, will hopefully prove to be a better solution than Marram.
It has been proven that seed can remain viable for over 20 years at up to depths of 4 m of sand. Wind erosion could bring these to the surface at a future date. View article abstract here.
Red-purple Ragwort Senecio elegans
Introduced. Not assessed.
This is a species that originated from South Africa with sand dunes its favoured habitat and, if left unchecked can quickly colonise new areas. They are controlled in the managed area of the dune garden but are found in areas bordering the estuary and should be pulled up, ensuring the basal leaves are removed.
It is a very colourful plant and one that is grown in gardens and while not encouraged it is recommended to remove developing seed heads once flowering is finished. They produce an incredible number of seeds which is wind dispersed, thus quickly establishing new areas.
Some species can cover large areas, and this can be seen on parts of Transmission Gully with Pink Ragwort. Some species can also be poisonous to stock.
Weedbusters-Red-purple Ragwort
Tree Lupin Lupinus arboreus
Introduced. Not assessed
Originating from California, it is a common weed in the area and swathes of yellow in the distance are most likely to be this species.
A fairly easy plant to distinguish as a seedling because of its distinctive leaves, it should be pulled up before they become established. Once plants mature and seed, they have the potential to become established quite quickly as seed pods split explosively to disperse seeds which are also spread by water.
These tall, up to 2.5 m plants, soon shade out any natives and allow other shade tolerant weedy species to colonise. Controlled in parts of the dune garden but should be pulled up if seen elsewhere.
It is also tolerant of wind and cold.
Moundlily Yucca Yucca gloriosa
Introduced. Not assessed.
This is a very impressive species that is widely cultivated because of its rather exotic appearance. The only problem is that it can quite often outgrow its welcome and because of this is removed and frequently dumped in the vicinity of the estuary from where some make their way into the sand dunes.
The plant itself is impressive with its long narrow, bright green leaves which can reach 50 cm and terminate with a sharp spike. It is at its most spectacular when it blooms, with the bell-shaped, white flowers that can sometimes be tinged with pink. These are produced on a stem which can be up to 2.5 m tall. The elongated berry can be up 7 cm and produce numerous seeds. Once they get to this stage and the dispersed seeds start to germinate this is when the serious problems start. Seeds can also be water dispersed.
NZPCN-Moundlily Yucca
Tree Mallow Malva arborea
Introduced. Not assessed.
This is a species that is found in coastal regions in its natural distribution of Western Europe, extending as far as Libya.
Like many pest species they are quite pretty which is a downfall in countries outside of its natural distribution making it a good subject for horticulture. It is fast growing and is subsequently pruned or removed completely while still in seed.
Seed is reputed to be very resilient to salt water and can remain viable for many years in quite saline conditions.
Because of its mobility and tolerance of sea water it has become quite a serious pest on numerous seabird islands around the world. Aiding its survival is its reputed ability to excrete salt through glands on its leaves. Has the potential pest species in this area.
iNaturalist-Tree Mallow
Pāpāra/White Poplar Populus alba
Introduced. Not assessed.
This pest species became naturalised in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1904 and has since became a serious problem as it spread to many areas. It is also a pest species in many areas outside of its natural distribution of the Northern Hemisphere.
At the estuary it is growing extensively on both sides of Pinewood Road just on the approach the beach. Towards the end of 2024, with generous funding from Horizons Regional Council, Kaitiaki o Ngahere have been engaged in some poplar clearance. An example of their efforts can be seen from the photograph opposite.
Apart from crowding out other plants, it quickly spreads by producing suckers from lateral roots which can extend as much as 30 m from the main stem, throwing up new shoots to quickly form dense clumps.
Wikipedia-White Poplar
Caper Spurge Euphorbia lathyris
Introduced. Not assessed.
If not controlled this has the potential to become a serious pest in the area. Currently found only in the region of Pinewood Road, it has been the subject of concerted efforts by the Wednesday weeding group at controlling a spreading infestation.
Care has to be taken when handling this plant as broken stems produce latex which can cause skin irritation. This is exasperated by exposure to sunlight and can cause severe blistering. All parts of this plant are poisonous to humans and most animals.
The natural range of this species is southern Europe and north Africa eastwards to western China.but has become naturalised through garden waste dumping and is now classed as invasive in many countries.
iNaturalist-Caper Spurge
Agapanthus Agapanthus praecox
Introduced. Not assessed.
This is a widely grown species which is sometimes called the Blue or African Lily and is familiar to many with its bright blue, globe-shaped flowers. More rarely, white coloured flowers can be found with lighter shades of blue also occurring in some populations.
It is a native to Southern parts of Africa but is naturalised in several countries including Australia and New Zealand and is now regarded as a pest species in several others.
In Aotearoa New Zealand it is frequently found in parkland and along roadsides. The blooms once they have finished flowering produce a number of flattened seeds which are spread by wind once dry or by water in areas prone to heavy rain. They can take up to four years to flower. They should be deadheaded once flowering is over to help prevent their spread.
Wikipedia-Agapanthus praecox
Everlasting Pea Lathyrus latifolius
Introduced. Not assessed.
The alternative name for this plant is the Broad-leaved Sweet Pea, an apt and descriptive name referring to the elongated 2 cm wide leaves which can reach 7.5 cm long.
If growing amongst vegetation it is able to scramble up to a height of 2 m, aided by twinning tendrils that help it grasp. It is, however, able to scramble over open ground.
Flowers are large, up to 2.5 cm and are a rich pink with some lighter areas. Flowering season can be long, spanning nine months from September through to May, depending on area. Many seedpods are produced but also spreads from rhizomes.
Native to Europe it has been introduced to many countries and is now classed as an environmental weed here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
NZPCN-Broad-leaved Sweet Pea
Wilding Pine Pinus radiata
Introduced. Not assessed.
Several conifer species fall under this category but for the Foxton Beach area it is Pinus radiata, the familiar Radiata Pine.
This species as a whole is planted for commercial timber production but it is not those that are planted, it is the growth that develop from seed outside of these areas which cause a problem.
These grow quickly and out compete all other species, including any natives. These wilding pines are becoming a real problem in some areas and attempts to control them nationally is becoming a major problem.
In the Foxton Beach area, they are not a problem as such but there is a number starting to encroach in the area near Pinewood Road and needs addressing.
Wilding Pines.NZ
Karo Pittosporum crassifolium
Endemic. Not threatened.
This fast-growing shrub is one of the few native species that is considered to be invasive. Although endemic, it only occurs naturally in the north of the North Island and for various reasons has spread too other areas.
It is a common garden plant, along with other members of the Pittisporum genus but unlike those it spreads vigorously through the copious amount of seeds it produces.
It is mainly a coastal species adapting to a variety of coastal habitats from dune slacks to boulder beaches and sometimes on steep cliffs.
Flowers are red/pink/purple and borne in clusters with grey bulbous seed pods developing soon after before the black seeds are dropped or dispersed
Wikipedia-Pittosporum crassifolia
Sydney Golden Wattle Acacia longifolia
Introduced. Not assessed.
The Sydney Golden Wattle is a member of the pea family, commonly known as Legumes. This diverse group contains many familiar species and includes numerous foods such as peas, beans, peanuts and pulses. Other members have numerous uses and a extensive description is covered in the reference below.
This particular plant is a native of South-east Australia and can grow to become a medium-sized tree. The bright yellow flowers produce numerous seeds which are be spread by wind. Because of their toughness they can survive for many years before germinating and has become a real problem in this area and needs control. Seedings can be identified by their leaf where the central veins radiate out from the leaf base. Seedlings should be pulled up when found.
Sydney Golden Wattle - Weedbusters
Acacia longifolia - Wikipedia
African Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum
Introduced. Not assessed.
This troublesome South African weed is a very resilient species, tolerating a wide range of habitats, soil types and climatic conditions ranging from sand to rocky outcrops, draught, salt, wind and copes well with both hot and cooler conditions. However reputed to not like shade.
Apart from reportedly being poisonous to stock it is equipped with it own visual defence of thorns which are probably effective in its homeland against herbivores.
The delicate flowers appear between June and March which develope into red seed pods. Once ripe dispersal is by birds which reputedly are not effected by the poison. In Aotearoa New Zealand this is also by introduced species.
African Boxthorn - weedbusters
Lycium ferocissimum - NZPCN
Inkweed Phytolacca octandra
Introduced. Not assessed.
Whether in flower or setting seed this plant is easily identifiable by its erect clusters of flowers which set to form greenish berries, later turning purple-black.
It is native to tropical South and Central America but was introduced to Aotearoa New Zealand as a garden plant and became naturalised around 1867 and established here through the dumping of garden waste.
Reaches a height of around 2 metres, growing quickly it can form dense patches, aided by its ability to tolerate a wide range temperatures, fire damage, wind and ground disturbance. It has a long flowering season from November through to August and sets seed once flowering has finished.
Weedbusters-Inkweed
NZPCN-Inkweed
Gorse Ulex europaeus
Introduced. Not assessed.
This spikey plant is native to Western Europe and its bright yellow flowers can be seen throughout the year, peaking in the spring to Autumn months.
Widely used as a hedging to contain stock, it produces an abundance of seeds enabling a rapid spread to the point of it becoming an invasive species in most countries it has been introduce to, including Aotearoa New Zealand.
It is a very resilient species being able to survive burning and spraying and if not clear and stems treated,. new shoots will appear on stems. They will colonise cleared areas of forest and this is much evident on the Foxton/Shannon road.
However, can be used as a nursery for natives species, and will eventually die when trees mature and cast shade over the gorse.
Weedbusters-Gorse
Boneseed Chrysanthemoides monilifera
Introduced. Not assessed.
This South African species is a common pest of coastal regions being found in sand dunes, cliffs, water margins and roadsides and is viable in different soil types and can withstand both salt and wind.
Once established this rampant weed can form dense strands which can reach 2-3 metres in height. It is estimated that one large bush can produce around 50000 seeds each year that can spread by a number of means - birds, possums, stock and when areas flood, they can be transported many kilometres. Seeds can germinate after even after fire and remain viable for a number of years.
Removal of plants, either by digging mature plants or pulling seedlings by hand will help but checks needed for new seedlings that appear.
NZPCN-Boneseed
Weedbusters-Boneseed
