Protected Nature Areas

Our region has a number of outstanding nature or conservation areas, all easily reached by car and most free of charge.

Manawatu Estuary is a Ramsar-protected international wetland and a brilliant place for bird spotting. It is situated at Foxton Beach, five kilometres from State Highway 1 and is home to many migratory birds, such as the Godwit, Wrybill, Caspian Tern and Royal Spoonbill. There is a viewing platform at the Dawick Street entrance and picnic spots and toilets at Holben Reserve.

Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve is home to over 60 species of birds and is adjacent to the Waikanae River. You can enter the reserve from Hana Udy Place in Paraparaumu. From here, you can walk down to the beach, where it meets the Waikanae River. The reserve borders Otaihanga Domain, which is a pleasant place to picnic and let the kids enjoy a safe river swim. It is also an ideal starting point to walk either the north or south sides of the river. Tracks are suitable for baby buggies, biking and walking.

Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand's most significant nature reserves, located in a marine reserve. Here, the Maori family who live on the island, operate the only accommodation available on the Island through their Kapiti Island Nature Tours business. They offer visitors genuine Maori hospitality and unique nature experiences. You can visit two areas on Kapiti Island: Rangatira and Waiorua Bay. You can stay overnight and go kiwi spotting, or just go for the day and take a guided walk. There are different walk options for different levels of fitness. The 15-minute ferry ride to the island departs daily at 9am from Kapiti Boating Club at Paraparaumu Beach. Visitors need to purchase a Department of Conservation permit to visit the island, as well as a local permit to visit Waiorua Bay at the north end. Bookings are essential. You can book everything through the Paraparumu i-SITE office, phone (04) 298 8195, or visit www.kapitiislandnaturetours.co.nz

Queen Elizabeth Park is Wellington’s most popular Regional Park with entrances at Paekakariki, MacKays Crossing and Raumati South. The park opens onto a lovely stretch of beach between Paekakariki and Raumati and has many different inland and coastal cycling and walking routes for every level of fitness. There are many other activities in the park including horse riding, visiting the Wellington Tramway Museum or taking a ride on a heritage tram. There are many picnic spots and you can also hire BBQ sites.

For more information go to www.gw.govt.nz Other conservation areas include Lake Papaitonga, Tararaua Forest Park and Akatarawa Forest Park.