Nga Manu Nature Reserve

About Nga Manu Nature Reserve

Nga Manu Nature Reserve offers you a unique opportunity to have a hands on experience related to the natural history of New Zealand. By visiting the Reserve you will gain an understanding of the ecosystems by using examples of plants and animals that can be observed within the different habitats that make up the Reserves ecosystems.

The reserve offers you an opportunity to see a diverse range of our native flora and fauna in just one visit. Most visitors would spend approximately 1.5 hours at the reserve. All pathways are easily walked and there's adequate seating around the reserve. Wheelchair access and facilities are avaliable. An on site wheelchair is available for visitor use.

Flora and Fauna

Flora
Approximately 700 different species of native plants can be seen; many are on the threatened species list. These range from native grasses, ferns through to 400 year old kahikatea.

Fauna
The animal life at Nga Manu is a mix of both wild and enclosed species. Over 56 different bird species come and go around the wetlands, bush and surroundings.

Kiwi, Tuatara, Gecko, Skinks, Wetas, Morepork, Tui, Wood pigeon, Fantail, Scaup, Blue duck, Kakariki, Paradise duck, Teal, and many other native birds and animals.

Nga Manu Trust

Nga Manu Nature Reserve is owned and administered by Nga Manu Trust, which is a registered charitable trust. The main objectives of the trust are:

i) To preserve our unique native flora and fauna.
ii)Provide an outdoor education resource based on conservation and preservation.
iii) To support recovery programs for our native flora and fauna.
iv) To promote public awareness of our native flora and fauna

The trust was established in 1974 and owns a 13-hectare site in Waikanae that is operated as Nga Manu Nature Reserve. This area contains the largest single remaining remanent of original coastal lowland swamp forest on the Kapiti Coast.