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

• Little Shoal Bay (Birkenhead)
• Manawa wetland (New Lynn)
• Te Wai Orea (Western Springs)
• Waiatarua (Remuera).