Seabird Coast

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The Seabird Coast, also known as the Wharekawa Coast, [1] is a beach area situated on the Firth of Thames in the North Island of New Zealand, lies about three kilometres from the small town of Miranda. [2] [3] It is the location of the Miranda Shorebird Centre and is well known for its godwits. [4] On 18 November 1769, James Cook landed on the Seabird Coast as a part of the first voyage, as HMS Endeavour circumnavigated New Zealand. [5]

Godwits migrate in huge flocks to and fro between New Zealand and Alaska. Some of the weaker ones give up and stop at Australia or China. The most famous godwit, known as E7, has flown all the way from Alaska to New Zealand non-stop. Most other birds stop at China on the way. [6]

Many bird-spotting posts are placed around the beach for bird watching, and a bird sanctuary located nearby provides for injured birds. [4] The New Zealand government purposely limits the local population for the sake of the godwits.[ citation needed ]

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tapu River</span> River in New Zealand

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Whakatīwai Regional Park is a regional park on New Zealand's North Island. It runs from the eastern side of the Hunua Ranges, where it adjoins Hunua Ranges Regional Park, down to the Firth of Thames coast, just north of the settlement of Whakatīwai. It is in the Hauraki District and the Waikato Region, not far from the border with the Auckland Region, and is owned and operated by Auckland Council.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whakatīwai</span> Coastal settlement in Hauraki District, New Zealand

Whakatīwai is a locality on the Seabird Coast on the western shore of the Firth of Thames, in the Hauraki District, New Zealand. Whakatīwai is the location of Wharekawa Marae, which holds importance for Ngāti Paoa and Ngāti Whanaunga. Whakatīwai Regional Park is just north of Whakatīwai. Until 2010, Whakatīwai was a part of the Franklin District. Because it was previously considered a part of the Auckland region, the Whakatīwai Regional Park continues to be owned and operated by the Auckland Council.

References

  1. EnviroStrat (May 2020). "Wharekawa Coast 2120: Natural Hazards Social Impact Assessment for Wharekawa" (PDF). Hauraki District Council . Retrieved 21 September 2021.
  2. "Bird Watching along the Seabird Coast". www.tourism.net.nz. 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  3. "Coromandel and Seabird Coast open for business after storm". Stuff. 23 January 2018. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  4. 1 2 Foster, Cate (17 July 2011). "Sunday drive: Firth of Thames". NZ Herald. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  5. "18 November 1769". Manukau's Journey - Ngā Tapuwae o Manukau. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections. MJ_0021. Retrieved 25 October 2021.
  6. "Bird Completes Epic Flight Across The Pacific". ScienceDaily. US Geological Survey. 17 September 2007.

37°10′0.15″S175°18′43.4″E / 37.1667083°S 175.312056°E / -37.1667083; 175.312056