Avon Heathcote Estuary

Christchurch with the estuary (left)

Avon Heathcote Estuary seen from Redcliffs from

The Avon Heathcote Estuary ( Māori: Te Wahapu ) is a large, semi-enclosed, shallow estuary in Christchurch in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand and one of the most important coastal wetlands in New Zealand. It is an internationally important resting place for migratory birds and locally as a recreation area. It was formerly a Māori of the highly valued area for gathering food.

The bay is located on the Pacific Ocean belonging to Pegasus Bay to the east of Christchurch. The Avon River flows to the northwest in the estuary of the Heathcote River in the southeast. The bay has a triangular shape. Just a short channel connects to the south with the Pegasus Bay. From the sea it is separated Spit by the 4 km Brighton, on which lie the suburbs of New Brighton, South New Brighton and South Shore.

The estuary is located 8 km ². At high tide, the water depth is usually only 1.4 m, only 15 % of the area usually falls at low water not dry.

Founded in 2002, The Avon - Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust has become the representation of long-term interests of the public in the use of the estuary goal. Among the members of the Trust includes representatives of the municipalities, existing interest groups ( Friends of the Estuary and Christchurch Estuary Association ), representatives of the Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury by the natives and others.