Tāmaki Estuary & Nelson St Foreshore

The Tāmaki Estuary is a significant wildlife habitat for the region. From here you will be able to see the intertidal mudflats that house extensive shellfish beds and mangrove forests along the length of the river. These mudflats house countless roosting sites used by wading birds that feed within the habitat, including threatened species such as the migrating bar-tailed godwit, pied oystercatcher, New Zealand dotterel, and the wrybill. During the months of February and March over 10,000 godwits work the tides along the river each day, making it by far the largest movement of birds within Tāmaki Makaurau.

The mangroves along the river are an important component of the coastal ecosystem. Not only do they function as a habitat the native fauna, but they enhance the water quality by filtering run-off and protect the shorelines from erosion. Another great spot to see this ecosystem in action is Tāhuna Tōrea in Glendowie Bay, connected to this spot by the same river.

Cross Tamaki Avenue and walk to the end of Nelson Street. Cross Great South Road at the signal.