Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve
Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve
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Location	Porirua, New Zealand
Area	50 hectares (120 acres)
Created	1984
Operated by	Department of Conservation, Forest & Bird

The Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve is a special nature area in Porirua, New Zealand. It is a type of wet land called a wetland. You can find it on the eastern side of the Pauatahanui Inlet, which is part of Porirua Harbour.

This reserve is very important because it has the largest area of "saltmarsh" in the lower North Island of New Zealand. A saltmarsh is a special kind of wetland where salty water from the sea mixes with fresh water.

About the Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve

The Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve covers about 50 hectares (124 acres). It was created to protect the unique plants and animals that live there. This area is a safe home for many different kinds of birds.

What is a Wetland?

A wetland is an area of land that is covered by water, either all the time or for long periods. Wetlands can be swamps, marshes, or bogs. They are very important for the environment. They help clean water and provide homes for many plants and animals.

History of the Reserve

In 1985, the Pauatahanui area was officially made a Wildlife Management Reserve. This meant it would be protected and looked after. To make it a better home for wildlife, new ponds were built. Walking tracks were also added so people could visit. Special viewing hides were put in place. These hides let you watch the birds without disturbing them. The reserve was officially opened on April 15, 1989.

Birds You Might See

Many different birds live at the Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve. Some of these birds are native to New Zealand. Others are visitors from far away. Here are some of the birds you might spot:

• The bar-tailed godwit is a bird that flies all the way from Alaska!
• The royal spoonbill has a long, flat bill shaped like a spoon.
• The caspian tern is a large seabird with a bright orange bill.
• The paradise duck is a colourful duck found only in New Zealand.
• The pied stilt has very long, thin legs and a black and white body.
• The sacred kingfisher is a small, bright blue bird often seen near water.
• The white-faced heron is a common grey heron with a white face.
• The New Zealand shoveler is a duck with a large, shovel-shaped bill.
• The pukeko is a large, dark blue bird with red legs and a red beak.
• The black shag is a large, dark cormorant that dives for fish.