Natural Heritage

Kei te rererere nga manu - The birds are flying about

This simple proverb reminds us that when the birds are flying - it is safe. At the slightest sign of danger the birds stop flying and seek refuge. We want Tauranga Harbour to be a safe place for our birds, and all the other flora and fauna that live in it.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council works with community care groups and other organisations to ensure that our Harbour is a safe, healthy environment for all living species.

Birds 

Tauranga Harbour is home to many birds. Some birds nest and feed in the harbour and others migrate from different places.

You can read the about the Distribution and conservation of shorebirds in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, 1984-2003 on the Department of Conservation website.

Some of the birds found in Tauranga Harbour include:

Estuary Life

Tauranga Harbour's estuaries are full of life. They are the breeding grounds for some species and the feeding grounds for others. Some of the species in our Harbour include:

• Flounder
• Whitebait
• Kahawai
• Herring
• Eels
• Crabs
• Clams
• Shellfish
• Heart urchins
• Snails
• Worms