Āwhitu Regional Park Wetlands

Size: 46 hectares

Site description

The Āwhitu Regional Park wetlands are situated on the edge of the Manukau Harbour. They are protected within the regional park boundaries. 

This biodiversity area is made up of two large wetlands which transition from freshwater to saline. Forest, scrub and restoration plantings also surround the wetland alongside pōhutukawa treeland on the cliffs at the southern end of the beach. 

Although both wetlands were initially restored through planting and floodgate removal, native saltmarsh species have also established naturally. This area now has some of the most significant coastal wetlands and saltmarshes in the Manukau Harbour. 

Saline wetland sequence at Āwhitu Regional Park.
The significant coastal wetland sequence at Āwhitu Regional Park.
Photo credit: Andrew Macdonald, Biospatial Ltd 2017

Wetland and coastal bird species

The wetlands provide important habitat for many native species including:

  • the largest mātātā (fernbird) population within the Manukau Harbour
  • mioweka (banded rail)
  • pūweto (spotless crake)
  • matuku hūrepo (Australasian bittern), which has a threat ranking of nationally critical.

The coastal margin also provides habitat for shorebirds including:

  • matuku moana (reef heron)
  • taranui (Caspian tern).

Forest bird species

The biodiversity focus area extends to the southern end of the beach and includes the pōhutukawa-dominated vegetation growing on the steep slopes. Native birds recorded in the forest and scrub areas include:

  • pīpīwharauroa (shining cuckoo)
  • pīwakawaka (fantail)
  • riroriro (grey warbler)
  • tūī
  • kererū.

Threats

There is an active weed and animal pest control programme to protect the biodiversity values here. Most of the riparian planting is now complete.

Related ecosystems

Cliff ecosystem

Pōhutukawa treeland, flaxland and rockland ecosystem (CL1)

This ecosystem occurs on coastal rock faces and eroding hill-slopes around the Auckland coastline and on offshore islands. It contains a mosaic of different plant communities including herbs, flax, shrubs and trees.

Threat status
Vulnerable

Coastal saline ecosystem

Mangrove forest and scrub ecosystem (SA1)

Mangrove forest and scrub is found in tidal estuaries, inlets and where salt water meets fresh at the mouths of rivers and streams. This ecosystem has a range of distinct plant communities that provide habitat for birds and fish.

Threat status
Least concern

Wetland ecosystem

Oioi, restiad rushland and reedland ecosystem (WL10)

Typically found on coastal stream margins where freshwater meets saline, this ecosystem is characterised by abundant oioi. Mātātā (fernbird), matuku (Australasian bittern), banded rail (mioweka) may be present in some areas.

Threat status
Endangered

Wetland ecosystem

Raupō reedland ecosystem (WL19)

Raupō swamps are found in a wide range of areas on mineral soils and fluctuating water tables. They are dominated by raupō and other rushes and grasses, which provide a home for wetland birds.

Threat status
Endangered