Waituna Lagoon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waituna Lagoon |
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 Waituna Lagoon
Location in New Zealand
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| Location | South Island of New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 46°33′58″S 168°35′25″E / 46.5662°S 168.5904°E |
| Type | lagoon |
The Waituna Lagoon is a special water area found on the southern coast of the South Island in New Zealand. It is part of a bigger area called the Awarua Wetland. This wetland is so important that it was made a Ramsar site in 1976. A Ramsar site is a wetland that is protected because it is important for nature around the world.
This lagoon is a very important home for many birds. Both birds that live there all the time and birds that travel long distances (migratory birds) use it. Scientists have counted 73 different kinds of birds living in or visiting the lagoon. Over 47 years, a plant called Leptocarpus (a type of rush) has grown a lot in the lagoon. This growth might be happening because people sometimes open the lagoon up to the sea. Also, more dirt and sand (sedimentation) are flowing into the lagoon.
Most of the Waituna Lagoon is still natural and untouched by humans. However, there are higher levels of nutrients and more dirt flowing into the water. Scientists are worried this could lead to something called eutrophication. This means the water gets too many nutrients, which can cause too much plant growth and harm the animals living there.
Fun Activities at Waituna Lagoon
Waituna Lagoon is a popular place for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy fishing and hunting game birds here. It's a great spot to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.
Fishing for Brown Trout
The lagoon and the rivers that flow into it are home to many brown trout. Fishing for these trout is a favorite pastime. There is a limit to how many fish you can catch each day. You can catch up to two trout per person per day. The fishing season usually starts on October 1st and ends on April 30th.
Hunting Game Birds
Waituna Lagoon is also a good place for hunting game birds. The most common bird hunted here is the mallard duck. Other game birds that hunters might look for include:
- Shoveler/spoonbill ducks
- Canada geese (which are now seen as a pest species)
- Paradise ducks
- Black swans (though these are not often hunted)
Many families have a tradition of hunting at the lagoon. Families like the Carleen, Hourston, Lawson, McNaughton, Perriam, Thomas, Owen, Carston, and Waghorn families often have camps or live nearby. They have been hunting in this area for a long time.
