Ngā pūnaha hauropi rohe kōreporepo me ngā wāhi e kitea ana
Wetland ecosystems and where to find them
What are wetlands?
Wetlands are areas of land on the margins of streams and lakes, and in estuaries or damp places where water collects.
Our wetlands are under threat
Wetlands in New Zealand are facing a threat.
More than 97 per cent of Auckland wetlands have been destroyed through drainage and land development.
Why wetlands are important
Wetlands support plants and animals specially adapted to living in wet conditions.
Many of New Zealand's wetland plants and animals are not found anywhere else in the world.
How you can protect wetlands
You can protect wetlands by:
- using existing tracks and boardwalks and observing from the edges
- not disturbing wildlife - take binoculars and use bird hides
- maintaining natural flow of water
- cleaning your footwear
- cleaning fishing and boating equipment to stop the spread of didymo
- keeping litter and garden waste out of wetlands
- keeping dogs from wetland areas
- keeping stock from wetland areas through fencing
- controlling pest plants and animals in and around wetlands.
For information on helping to protect and restore wetlands, see our brochures:
Find out more about how you can look after our waterways and wetlands on Tiaki Tāmaki Makaurau.
Wetlands to visit in Auckland
Popular wetland areas in Auckland include:
- Ambury Regional Park (Manukau)
- Auckland Botanic Gardens (Manurewa)
- Kauritutahi Wetland (Āwhitu Regional Park)
- Lake Wainamu (Waitākere Ranges Regional Park)
- Mangatawhiri Wetlands (Tāwharanui Regional Park)
- Poukaraka Wetland (Whakanewha Regional Park)
- Tāhuna Tōrea (Tāmaki Estuary)
- Te Henga Wetland (Waitākere Ranges Regional Park)
- Tomarata Lakes (Te Arai)
- Waiatarua Reserve (Remuera)
- Whatipu Scientific Reserve (Waitākere Ranges Regional Park).
To learn more, see our brochure:
Child-friendly wetlands to visit
These wetlands all feature easy, child-friendly walks, where everyone can get up close to wetland plants and animals:
- Little Shoal Bay (Birkenhead)
- Manawa wetland (New Lynn)
- Te Wai Orea (Western Springs)
- Waiatarua (Remuera).
Related topics
Report pollution | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/what-you-can-do-for-environment/Pages/report-pollution.aspx | Report pollution | Call the pollution hotline for stormwater pollution and air pollution. The Pollution Response Team is available seven days a week. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Environment consultation | |
Plant with locally sourced plants | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/plants-animals/plant-for-your-ecosystem/Pages/plant-locally-sourced-plants.aspx | Plant with locally sourced plants | If you want to restore your garden or backyard, use native plants sourced from local seeds. This is called ecosourcing. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Biodiversity | |
Stream ecosystems | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/plants-animals/plant-for-your-ecosystem/Pages/stream-ecosystems.aspx | Stream ecosystems | Find out how to care for and support stream ecosystems. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Biodiversity | |
Coastal ecosystems | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/plants-animals/plant-for-your-ecosystem/Pages/coastal-ecosystems.aspx | Coastal ecosystems | Find out how to support and restore coastal ecosystems. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Biodiversity | |
Forest ecosystems | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/plants-animals/plant-for-your-ecosystem/Pages/forest-ecosystems.aspx | Forest ecosystems | Find out how to support forest ecosystems. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Biodiversity | |
Natural environments of the Auckland region | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/plants-animals/plant-for-your-ecosystem/Pages/natural-environments-auckland-region.aspx | Natural environments of the Auckland region | Natural environments and ecosystems support different plants and animals. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Biodiversity | |
Is the information on this page helpful?
It is helpful for us to know what works well for customers.
You will not receive a reply. Do not include personal information.