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
Tītiko/Mudflat Snail Amphibola crenata
Endemic. Not threatened.
If you look over the estuary as the tide recedes, what appears to be numerous bumps are in fact this species of snail. Not only here but it is a very common species on most estuary mudflats around Aotearoa New Zealand but is found nowhere else in the world.
It is neither a true marine or land snail and is able to survive briefly at high tide for an hour or so and then begins to breath air again as the tide falls back.
They feed by grazing the surface for decomposing matter and waste is secreted in wavy strands, clearly visible in the picture opposite.
Large specimens are sometimes eaten.
Saltmarsh Snail Pleuroloba costellaris
Endemic. Not assessed.
This is a very small species of snail measuring no more than 14 mm when adult. Consequently, it is easily overlooked as it is found mainly in vegetation bordering marshy areas, frequently on small bits of driftwood.
Although endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand it is restricted mainly to the North Island with only a few scattered records from the north of the South Island, although because of its diminutive size may be easily overlooked and may have a wider distribution.
It is a fairly abundant species in suitable habitats around the estuary which mainly border the muddier areas such as out from the pines on Pinewood Road.
In some literature it is referred to as Banded Ear Snail.
marinelife.ac.nz-Banded Ear Snail
