Ngā Manu Nature Reserve facts for kids
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve is a special place for nature and wildlife in Waikanae, New Zealand. It's located on the Kapiti Coast of the North Island. This reserve is a safe home for many native birds and other animals. It also protects a large part of the original coastal lowland swamp forest on the Kapiti Coast. The reserve covers about 14 hectares (about 35 acres).
Inside Ngā Manu, you can find special aviaries. These are like big bird cages. They house native birds such as kākā, kākāriki, scaup, whio (blue duck), and kea. There are also enclosures for tuatara, which are ancient reptiles. You can even visit a nocturnal house to see kiwi and morepork (ruru) at night.
More than 50 different types of birds live in the reserve. You will often see common local birds like kererū (New Zealand pigeon), tui, black swan, paradise duck, and pukeko. Ngā Manu does not have a special fence to keep pests out. Because of this, you won't find any animals that are very close to disappearing in the wild. However, Ngā Manu often helps with bigger efforts to protect animals and runs special breeding programs.
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History of Ngā Manu
Ngā Manu has been looked after by the Ngā Manu Trust since 1974. This trust is a charity, meaning it works to help others and not for profit. The reserve first opened its doors to visitors in 1981.
How Ngā Manu Started
The land for the reserve was chosen because it had a large piece of the original coastal lowland swamp forest. Three founding trustees bought the land. They were Peter McKenzie, Professor John Salmon, and David Mudge. They used some money that was left to them by Sir John McKenzie. Later, a famous geologist and nature expert named Charles Fleming joined the project. In the late 1970s, many new plants were added, and the land was shaped to make it even better.
Ngā Manu Today
Today, Ngā Manu is also important for birds flying between Kapiti Island and the Tararua Range. It acts like a "stepping stone" or a rest stop for them. More people have visited the reserve since 2017. This is because the Kapiti Expressway was built, making it easier to get there. There are also better signs to guide visitors.
What You Can See and Do
Ngā Manu has many things for visitors to enjoy. It's a great place to learn about New Zealand's unique nature.
Outdoor Areas
Near the visitor centre, you'll find open lawn areas. There is also an arboretum, which is a special garden with many different kinds of native trees. It's a perfect spot for a picnic or just to relax.
Education and Tours
An education centre was built in the 1990s. This building is very popular for school trips. It can also be rented for events. Ngā Manu also offers small tours and special experiences for individuals or small groups.
Walking Tracks and Lakes
There is a special loop track that goes through the native bush. This track is friendly for wheelchairs. It winds through areas with about 700 different types of native plants. You will also pass by small clearings and three small lakes and ponds. The biggest lake has several small islands covered in bush. These islands are connected by small wooden bridges. There is also a side track that leads to a lookout tower. From the tower, you can get a great view over the native bush.
