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
Kōwhangatara/Spinifex Spinifex sericeus
Native. Not threatened.
As the key species of grass that underpins the dune ecosystems of much of Aotearoa New Zealand, this species is the pre-eminent builder of dunes. The rolling female seed heads are familiar to beach-goers all over the country in summer. The orange male seed head is distinctively different to the female, making determination of gender of the plants simple in summer. Studies have shown that fertility increases if a male plant is in close proximity to a group of females but even then fertility is only around 45% making determination of the viability of seed a problem for growers wanting to assist in restoration projects.
Over the past few years Horowhenua District Council have held planting sessions, having planted over 10,000 Kōwhangatara, and recently Wildlife Foxton Trust have grown, with funding from Horizons Regional Council, nearly 3000 plants which were planted in 2023. Similiar numbers were planted in both 2024 and 2025. These sessions will continue so please check Events to see if any are planned.
Pingao/Golden Sand Sedge Ficinia spiralis
Endemic. At risk-declining.
Pingao is a yellow/orange/red sedge grass used for decorative purposes throughout Maoridom. In spite of being a hardy plant, it grows slowly, so it is on the threatened species list. Common in the Dune Garden, it grows both in the dry dunes as well as in the dune wetland areas. Pingao’s dune building abilities are visible in the Dune Garden and is easily located in the dunes by the Surf Club.
Formerly widely distributed the decline has been brought on by a numberof factors as diverse as burning, browsing by domestic stock, damage by motor vehicles driving over dune systems and over-harvesting by weavers.The latter would not have been an issue before it became scarce but if only leaves and not whole plants are taken, they will regenerate.and help preserve this important plant.
More difficult to grow, small numbers are planted alongside Spinifex in the dunes. Trials are underway at Wildlife Foxton Trust to see if local conditions will assist with its propagation.
coastalrestorationtrus-Pingao ecology
Wiwi/Knobby Club Rush Ficinia nodosa
Native. Not threatened.
Wiwi is a common rush around the southern hemisphere. It is one of several species labelled under the same moniker. Growing in xeric (dry) dunes as well as in wetland and estuarine situations,
Although a mainly coastal species it has been recorded at altitudes up to 700m above sea level. It is a tough plant - often the last remaining native species before being swamped by exotics.
White flowers appear from September to December and fruits between November and May. When ripe, the nuts are thought to be dispersed by wind.