Estuaries

Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland is a predominantly marine region. With harbours and inlets dotting the coastline and a narrow isthmus between the Manukau and Waitematā Harbours, you are never too far from the ocean. This easy accessibility means recreational use of Auckland’s estuaries is high, making these some of the region’s most valued natural environments.

Auckland Council monitors across the region to characterise and track changes in their health. They range from the biggest harbours in the country on the west coast, to small tidal lagoons on the east coast. Some are in heavily urbanised catchments whilst others are surrounded by predominantly rural land uses. This diversity means estuary health varies considerably across the region.