Walk Details
NZ Walking Routes > Wellington > Kapiti Coast > Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve
Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve
- Location
Waikanae Estuary is located between Paraparaumu and Waikanae on the Kapiti coast north of Wellington.
The main entry points into the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve are on Manly St North, Paraparaumu Beach. One track leads out onto the seaward side of the lagoon and the other follows the inland side of the estuary.
- Description
Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve contains rare plants and wildlife, and fragile habitats.
Bird watching, white baiting, walking and picnicking are among the activities you can enjoy at Waikanae Estuary and Paraparaumu Beach.
Walk along the sand spit and river banks and see wading birds, such as variable oystercatchers and banded dotterels, digging for worms and shellfish in the tidal zone. Keep an eye out for Caspian terns. They are the largest of the terns and have a stout red bill.You might also be lucky enough to see a royal spoonbill in the estuary using its paddle-like bill to stir up small animals from the mud.
There are many picturesque places to have a picnic. Please stay on designated trails, though, as birds nest on the beach sand and eggs blend into the sand.
Dogs are allowed but must be on a lead.
- Amenities
-
- Birds
- Dogs Allowed
- Fishing
- Historical
- Picnics
- Plant Life
- Source
- www.doc.govt.nz
- Discussion
- Start a discussion on this walk