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
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 be germinate this is when the serious problems start. Seeds can also be water dispersed.
iNaturalist-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, quickly forming 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
