Dawick Street, Foxton Beach, Horowhenua

Manawatu Estuary

For Birdwatchers and Maori this is a special place. This is the largest estuary on the southern North Island . Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia arrive here in spring to spend the summer. The estuary was granted Ramsar site status in 2002 for several significant reasons. Being the largest sand dune area in New Zealand, involving several wetlands, lagoons and estuaries, this area was recommended as an area for protection, as more than half was still in a natural state. There are 13 species of birds, 6 species of fish and 4 species of plants known in Manawatu Estuary which are on the threatened species list. It is now subject to a management plan to protect the ecology.
Interestingly archaeology also plays a part in the significance of the area with the potential for Moa-Hunting era finds, like others in the Manawatu region. The social history (whakapapa) of several Iwi is centred here including Rangitaane, Muaupoko and Ngati Raukawa. The Manawatu River was named when Haunui a Nanaia traveled down the west coast of the lower North Island in search of his wife. When he got to the Manawatu his heart sank at the sight of the large turbulent river that he had to cross. All three Iwi remain present. Pakeha (european) heritage is also folded into the area, with the settlement of whalers working from Kapiti Island, and then of the growth of the flax stripping industry. Massey University retains an interest in the ecology of the area

There is a look out platform at the end of Dowick Street. On Holben Parade there is a car park and small picnic shelter.

High tide is the best time to see the birds.

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  • Black Swan

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