Awarua Wetlands
Awarua Wetlands: Ramsar site no. 102, listed on 13 August 1976 as Waituna Lagoon and subsequently renamed Awarua Wetlands in 2008 when the site was increased to 18,900 ha.
Location: 20 km south of Invercargill
The first registered wetland
Southland was the first place in New Zealand to have a wetland officially recognised under the Ramsar Convention when 3500 ha of peatland area, known as the Waituna Wetland Scientific Reserve was registered in 1976.
A futher 15,400 ha was added in 2008 which included the three major estuaries; Toi Toi, Awarua Bay and the New River. These three estuaries are a unique feature of Southland and are still relatively unspoiled compared to similar waterways in other parts of the country. Just over 10,000 hectares of the Awarua peat complex and areas of cushion bog, usually only found in subalpine regions, are included.
This area is home to the secretive Australasian bittern and the tiny fernbird. Both species have disappeared from much of their former range.
Royal spoonbills and pied stilts
Recreational use of wetlands for whitebaiting, fishing, waterfowl hunting and simple enjoyment of free access to wild places is a long established tradition of the Southland community. Whitebait stands, favourite fishing spots and waterfowl hunting sites on public lands have been handed down for several generations with some families able to boast nearly a century of uninterrupted enjoyment of special places.
The Waituna Lagoon is only occasionally open to the sea and its brackish waters are important habitat for birds, native fish and trout.
The surrounding wetlands have some unusual plant associations, like the cushion plant Donatia which normally grows in subalpine areas. In the cold, peaty conditions low growing moor-like vegetation dominates. Manuka and turpentine shrub overtops wire rush and tangle fern. Native orchids and the insectivorous sundews and bladderworts, are common. The southern shore gentian flowers in profusion in late summer along the shingle banks of the coast.
Black swans on Waituna Lagoon
Getting there
Access into the peatlands area is difficult although some of the cushion bog and other communities can be viewed near the road end at the head of Awarua Bay.
Waituna Lagoon can be reached by road at several points. To get to the outlet it is necessary to walk along the coast from Waituna Lagoon Road (1.5 hours) or along the beach after crossing the head of Awarua Bay (2.5 hours). At high tide or when the outlet is closed kayaks or small power boats can be used to explore the margins of the lagoon.
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