Some 115 species of bird had been spotted at the estuary, including rare and critically endangered birds.
Steve Attwood/Supplied
The Ashley-Rakahuri is home to many endangered bird species, including the world’s most endangered gull, the black-billed gull. “The estuary is regularly visited by kakī (black-stilt), the rarest wading bird in the world, and it is a major feeding site outside breeding season for tarāpuka (black-billed gull), the world’s most endangered gull.” While it was a permanent home for many bird species, others used the estuary as a seasonal stop-over, such as the ngutuparore (wrybill) – the only bird in the world with a bill that bends sideways.
GO NZ: Eugenie Sage and Six60 on their hometown attractions - Akaroa to Invercargill
22 Dec, 2020 03:33 AM
9 minutes to read
The best way to get to know Akaroa Habour is by kayak or swim: Eugenie Sage. Photo / Tim Cronshaw
NZ Herald
Kiwi celebrities and local experts explain what makes their home town world-famous in New Zealand, and the things you should see and do when you visit.
Eugenie Sage - Banks Peninsula
What makes Banks Peninsula unique/iconic in New Zealand?
Banks Peninsula is the largest volcanic feature in Te Wai Pounamu/the South Island and has a rich natural and cultural history. The peninsula s volcanic history has given it a dramatic coastline with basalt outcrops, sea caves, pillow lava formations and two large harbours Lyttelton and Akaroa, which are the eroded remnants of two large volcanoes, and the smaller Mt Herbert volcanic group. There is so much to see and do from tracks on the Port Hills and on the wider peninsula with stunning views, to learning