The Manawatu Estuary is an estuary at the mouth of the Manawatu River, near Foxton Beach in the lower North Island of New Zealand. It is a wetland of international significance as one of the few Ramsar sites in New Zealand. At approximately 250 hectares (620 acres),[2] the Manawatu Estuary is the largest estuary in the lower North Island.[3]

Manawatu river mouth and estuary
Manawatu Estuary at Foxton Beach
Location	North Island, New Zealand
Nearest city	Foxton Beach
Coordinates	40.4768489°S 175.2119703°E / -40.4768489; 175.2119703
Area	200 hectares (490 acres)
Ramsar Wetland
Official name	Manawatu river mouth and estuary
Designated	25 July 2005
Reference no.	1491[1]

A total of 93 different bird species have been identified at the estuary. In 2005 the estuary attained Ramsar status.[4]

During spring migratory birds arrive for the summer at the estuary, including the bar-tailed godwit, red knot, Pacific golden plover, Japanese snipe, wandering tattler and whimbrel.[5]

See also

• Wetlands of New Zealand
• Environment of New Zealand

References

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