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
Tūturiwhatu/Spur-winged Plover Vanellus miles novaehollandiae
Native. Not threatened.
A self-introduced species from Australia, it is now firmly established and widespread here. A stocky, noisy bird with a quarrelsome nature and raucous voice, it is a familiar bird around the Estuary.
It is a stocky bird with a raucous call. General plumage colour is grey brown above with white underparts, black cap and shoulders plus distinctive yellow wattles.
Nests are built in open habitats near wetland areas or in grassland. Each clutch has 3-4 eggs which hatch in around a month. Young leave the nest shortly after hatching and gain independence at 6-7 weeks.
They consume a wide variety of food ranging from worms, insects to molluscs and crustaceans.