Whanganui Inlet

Habitat intactness and diversity is high with almost all its intertidal vegetation intact. Large areas of sea grass (42% of the estuary) and saltmarsh (5% of the estuary) exist creating valuable habitat for marine and freshwater fish.

This estuary is generally valued for its aesthetic appeal, its rich biodiversity, duck shooting, whitebaiting, fishing, boating, walking and scientific appeal. The estuary is protected in the southern third by the Westhaven (Te Tai Tapu) marine reserve, and the remaining two-thirds to the north is the Westhaven (Whanganui Inlet) wildlife management area. Towards the south eastern end there is the small Mangarakau wharf.

This estuary currently has relatively few threats. As is the case with all estuaries sea level rise will remove saltmarsh habitat and the invasion of pests and weeds is ever-present.