Waipu Lagoons facts for kids
The Waipu Lagoons are a group of small, natural water bodies located near the city of New Plymouth in the Taranaki Region of New Zealand. These lagoons are like small, shallow lakes that are close to the sea. They are an important place for many types of plants and animals.
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Discover the Waipu Lagoons
The Waipu Lagoons are made up of three small lakes, sometimes called "lakelets." Together, these lakelets cover an area of about 2 hectares (which is about 5 acres). They are located very close to the Tasman Sea, only about 0.5 kilometers (or 0.3 miles) away. You can find them just to the east of a place called Bell Block.
A Special Protected Area
The lagoons, along with the wet, marshy land around them (called wetlands), cover a total area of about 7.9 hectares (nearly 20 acres). This whole area is a special place that is protected. It's called a local purpose conservation reserve. This means it's set aside to protect nature and wildlife. The New Plymouth District Council owns and looks after this important reserve.
Amazing Wildlife at the Lagoons
The Waipu Lagoons are a fantastic home for many different kinds of birds. These birds rely on the lagoons and wetlands for food, shelter, and a safe place to live. Here are some of the bird species you might find there:
- Australasian bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus): This is a very shy bird that is in danger of disappearing. It's important that places like Waipu Lagoons are protected to help these birds survive.
- Australian coot (Fulica atra australis): These are dark, duck-like birds with a white shield on their forehead. You often see them swimming on the water.
- Grey teal (Anus gracilis): A small, common duck found in New Zealand.
- Pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio): These are large, colorful birds with blue and black feathers and a bright red beak. They are often seen walking around the edges of the wetlands.
Plants of the Lagoons
The plants growing around the Waipu Lagoons are just as important as the animals. They provide food and shelter for the wildlife and help keep the wetland healthy. The main types of plants you'll see here are:
- Raupo (Typha orientalis): This is a tall plant with long, flat leaves and a distinctive brown, sausage-shaped flower head. It's often called "bulrush" in other parts of the world.
- Flax (Phormium tenax): A very common New Zealand plant with long, tough leaves. It was traditionally used by Māori people for weaving.
- Bamboo spike-sedge (Eleocharis sphacelata): This is a type of grass-like plant that grows in wet areas.
