Avon Heathcote Estuary
Encyclopedia
The Avon Heathcote Estuary is the largest semi-enclosed shallow estuary
in Canterbury and remains one of New Zealand
’s most important coastal wetlands
. It is well known as an internationally important habitat
for migratory birds
, and it is an important recreational playground and educational resource. It was once highly valued for mahinga kai (Māori
for food gathering).
enters the estuary from the northwest, and the Heathcote River
from the south-west. The estuary has a triangular shape, a short inlet connection with Pegasus Bay
, and is primarily enclosed by the 4 km long Brighton Spit, on which the suburbs New Brighton
, South New Brighton and Southshore
are located.
The most prominent features of the inlet are the single deep channel between Rapanui Rock
("Shag Rock") and Brighton Spit.
, as only about 15% of the area lies below low water of ordinary spring tides (LWOST).
, Environment Canterbury, tāngata whenua
and other agencies.
Estuary
An estuary is a partly enclosed coastal body of water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea....
in Canterbury and remains one of New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
’s most important coastal wetlands
Wetland
A wetland is an area of land whose soil is saturated with water either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands are categorised by their characteristic vegetation, which is adapted to these unique soil conditions....
. It is well known as an internationally important habitat
Habitat
* Habitat , a place where a species lives and grows*Human habitat, a place where humans live, work or play** Space habitat, a space station intended as a permanent settlement...
for migratory birds
Bird migration
Bird migration is the regular seasonal journey undertaken by many species of birds. Bird movements include those made in response to changes in food availability, habitat or weather. Sometimes, journeys are not termed "true migration" because they are irregular or in only one direction...
, and it is an important recreational playground and educational resource. It was once highly valued for mahinga kai (Māori
Maori language
Māori or te reo Māori , commonly te reo , is the language of the indigenous population of New Zealand, the Māori. It has the status of an official language in New Zealand...
for food gathering).
Location
The Avon RiverAvon River, Canterbury
The Avon River flows through the centre of the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, and out to an estuary, which it shares with the Heathcote River, the Avon Heathcote Estuary.- Geology :...
enters the estuary from the northwest, and the Heathcote River
Heathcote River
The Heathcote River lies within the city boundaries of Christchurch, New Zealand, and is fed from springs near Templetons Road and also receives wet weather flows from as far west as Pound Road. It meanders around the base of the Port Hills from west to south-east.-Course:The catchment of the...
from the south-west. The estuary has a triangular shape, a short inlet connection with Pegasus Bay
Pegasus Bay
Pegasus Bay is on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand.-Location:The bay has a sandy beach and runs from Banks Peninsula to the Waipara River mouth...
, and is primarily enclosed by the 4 km long Brighton Spit, on which the suburbs New Brighton
New Brighton, New Zealand
New Brighton is a coastal suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, about to the east of the city centre.-Naming:The naming of New Brighton was apparently done on a 'spur of moment' decision by William Fee, an early settler of the area...
, South New Brighton and Southshore
Southshore, New Zealand
Southshore is an eastern suburb within Christchurch, New Zealand. It is home to South New Brighton school and the local batch bar and restaurant. It's rich in wildlife and forestry.- Christchurch Earthquakes :...
are located.
The most prominent features of the inlet are the single deep channel between Rapanui Rock
Rapanui Rock
Rapanui, better known as The Shag Rock or simply "Shag Rock" was a notable sea stack which stood at the entrance of the Avon Heathcote Estuary near Christchurch, New Zealand. The boating channel into the estuary lies on the northern side of the rock. Although not used as a shipping port, the...
("Shag Rock") and Brighton Spit.
Description
The estuary has an area of 8 km2, is shallow (the mean at high water of ordinary spring tides (HWOST) is 1.4 m), and predominantly intertidalIntertidal zone
The intertidal zone is the area that is above water at low tide and under water at high tide . This area can include many different types of habitats, with many types of animals like starfish, sea urchins, and some species of coral...
, as only about 15% of the area lies below low water of ordinary spring tides (LWOST).
Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust
The Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust was formed in 2002. This resulted from requests from the wider community to act in the estuary’s long-term interests. The members of the Trust include representatives from the community, existing groups (Friends of the Estuary and the Christchurch Estuary Association), representatives from Christchurch City CouncilChristchurch City Council
The Christchurch City Council is the local government authority for Christchurch in New Zealand. It is a territorial authority elected to represent the people of Christchurch. Since 2007, the Mayor of Christchurch is Bob Parker, who stood as an independent candidate...
, Environment Canterbury, tāngata whenua
Tangata Whenua
Tāngata whenua is a Māori term of the indigenous peoples of New Zealand and literally means "people of the land", from tāngata, 'people' and whenua land.-Meanings:...
and other agencies.