Pāuatahanui Inlet

A 30-minute drive from Wellington city, the Pāuatahanui Inlet is a large estuary surrounded by a wildlife reserve.

The relatively unmodified area has been inhabited for at least the last 600 years. It is rich with rare species and habitats, along with some archaeological sites and historic places.

Fed by four main streams, the coastal wetland contains a mosaic of tidal flats and indigenous marsh vegetation. It is a popular spot for bird and wildlife watching.

The east-west running arm of Porirua Harbour is accessible to the public via the Forest and Bird Reserve at Pāuatahanui village. There are walking tracks and areas to picnic.

To drive around the estuary, turn off State Highway 59 at the Paremata roundabout or Grays Road in Plimmerton. Parking is available.

Surrounded by urban development and bisected by Grays Road, the Department of Conservation is working with community groups to advocate for better management to protect the estuary’s resources.

Location details

Jurisdiction	Porirua City Council, Department of Conservation
Permits required	Yes, apply for a Department of Conservation film permit
Location descriptors	Bays, beaches, boardwalks, estuaries, harbours, sea, ocean, rivers, streams, swamps, marshes, wetlands, marine life, coastal walks, nature, wildlife, conservation areas, picnic areas.