There's plenty to see and do at the estuary.
The estuary walkway provides beautiful views, and there are signs along the way providing information about some of the birds you might see.
There is a lot of interesting wildlife at the estuary. As well as birds, the estuary is also home to some interesting plants and is an important habitat for native fish.
The Manawatū Estuary Trust enjoys giving people the opportunity to learn more about this amazing environ
Tarāpuka/Black-billed Gull Larus bulleri
Endemic. At risk-declining.
Very similar to the Red-billed Gull in size, shape, and colouring, this sleek gull is built along more slender lines. It has a white body; its wings are grey with black at the very tips (it has less black than the Red-billed Gull). The bill and legs are black (there may be some orange or red showing on the legs). As a juvenile the legs and beak are pale pink, shading to bright red in the second year and then becoming black after that. Immature birds also have brownish spots on the wings; they can be mistaken for adult, Red-billed Gulls.
Breeding mainly on the braided river systems in the South Island they winter on the coasts of both the North and South Islands. Up to five eggs can be laid but usually only 2-3 which take 20-24 days to hatch. Chicks will wander away from the nest quite early on, but it can be six or seven weeks before they are able to feed themselves.
Unlike the other two species, they are rarely found in urban areas.
Tarāpunga/Red-billed Gull Larus scopulinus
Native. At risk-declining.
The Red-billed Gull may be seen at the estuary (both on the mudflats and on the water) and in Foxton Beach itself, especially the Surf Club car park where it will come to picnickers who throw food to them. Can sometimes congregate in flocks of up to 50 there.
With an average weight of between 240-320 gm, males are slightly larger than females and have a slightly longer and thicker beak. They are predominantly white, except for their wings, which are grey with black tips. The beak and legs are a vivid red as is the ring around the eye. The iris is white.
Its natural diet is krill. small fish, worms and invertebrates.
Nests are a rough gathering of stones, grass and twigs in which is laid 1-3 eggs. These take around 24 days to hatch and chicks rely on their parents for a further 55 days before gaining independence.
Karoro/Southern Black-backed Gull Larus dominicana
Native. Not threatened.
Black-backed Gulls can be seen anywhere around the Aotearoa New Zealand coast and even far inland. There will often be several on the beach beside the Estuary, as well as flying over or sitting on various man-made structures around Foxton Beach.
This is the largest gull in Aotearoa New Zealand and very distinctive. It has a black back and wings, with a white head and white underparts. It is only gull to have black colouring. Its yellow beak has a red spot on the lower half. The legs are olive green to yellow.
The Black-backed Gull is a scavenger and can be seen in large numbers around rubbish dumps, as well as following fishing boats and it eats a wide variety of foods. During winter flocks of 50 or more can be seen at the estuary but sometimes three times that number frequent nearby fields.