Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve
Facts and practical information
Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve is a wetland reserve at the eastern edge of the Pāuatahanui Inlet of the Porirua Harbour in Porirua, New Zealand. The reserve contains the most significant area of saltmarsh in the lower North Island of New Zealand. It also includes tidal mudflats, shrub lands and regenerating coastal forest. The reserve covers 50 hectares, of which the Department of Conservation owns 46 hectares, and Forest & Bird owns the remaining 4 hectares under covenant to the Queen Elizabeth II Trust. The reserve is managed by a committee of Forest & Bird representatives in association with the Department of Conservation. ()
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Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Bar-tailed godwit
The bar-tailed godwit is an intriguing large wader bird, easily identified by its striking red breeding plumage, long legs, and distinctive upturned bill. Belonging to the Scolopacidae family, these birds thrive on bristle-worms and shellfish found in coastal mudflats...
Birds
Caspian tern
The Caspian tern is an impressive bird with a broad, albeit scattered, range. It is the sole member of its genus and lacks any recognized subspecies. Its name is derived from the Caspian Sea, and its genus name amalgamates ancient Greek and Latin words for "water"...
Birds
White-faced heron
The white-faced heron, also known as the white-fronted heron, is a familiar sight throughout Australasia, including regions such as New Guinea, Indonesia, New Zealand, and the majority of Australia. This medium-sized bird is easily recognizable by its pale blue-grey...
Birds
Royal spoonbill
The royal spoonbill, also known as the black-billed spoonbill, is a captivating bird found in various regions of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Occasionally, it makes an appearance as a visitor in New...
Birds
Australasian swamphen
The Australasian swamphen, known as the pukeko in New Zealand, is a bird found across eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand. Initially deemed a subspecies of the purple swamphen, this bird now enjoys recognition as a distinct species.
Birds
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