Papakanui-Waionui

Size: 2257 hectares

Site description

The Papakanui–Waionui biodiversity focus area is located at the northern end of the South Head peninsula. It includes the large Papakanui Conservation Area and other smaller areas of reserve land administered by the Department of Conservation. The biodiversity value of this area is extremely high, both on an ecosystem and species level.

The Papakanui dunefield and spit are recognised as an Outstanding Natural Feature in the Auckland Unitary Plan. 

Papakanui spit and Waionui inlet.
Looking north over the Papakanui Spit and Waionui inlet at the entrance to the Kaipara Harbour.
Photo credit: Andrew Macdonald, Biospatial Ltd 2018

Key ecosystems

Papakanui is one of the largest and most extensive areas of sand dunes with both foredune and back dune plant communities (DN2 and DN5) in the Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland region. 

It also has one of the largest remaining dune forest (WF5) remnants in the region. The dune forest is located next to the Waionui Inlet and there are other smaller remnants on Tīpare / Ti Tree Island at the mouth of Waionui Inlet and within the nearby pine forest.

In the upper reaches of the Waionui Inlet is raupō-dominated freshwater wetland (WL19). This grades into estuarine vegetation (SA1) in the lower reaches of the inlet. 

Sedgeland in the Papakanui dunes.
A matrix of dune forest and oioi knobby clubrush sedgeland occupies pockets of the Papakanui dunes.
Photo credit: Andrew Macdonald, Biospatial Ltd 2018

Native birds

This large, remote area provides important habitat and food sources for many species, including:

  • tara iti (fairy tern)
  • matuku hūrepo (Australasian bittern)
  • mātātā (fernbird).

Papakanui is one of the only four remaining regular breeding sites for tara iti (fairy tern). Tara iti are the most endangered of all New Zealand’s native birds.

Matuku hūrepo are a cryptic (well camouflaged), rarely seen wetland bird species. They have a threat status of Threatened - Nationally Critical. 

Fernbird, another well camouflaged wetland bird is more often heard than seen. They have a national threat status of At Risk – Declining.

Waionui inlet and Papakanui Spit.
View to the west over Waionui inlet, Papakanui Spit and out into the Tasman Sea.
Photo credit: Andrew Macdonald, Biospatial Ltd 2018

Threats

The impacts of feral deer are an ongoing issue. Deer have significantly impacted the native vegetation through browse of palatable species. 

Invasive weeds such as Mexican devil and pampas in the wetlands threaten the long-term viability of the native-dominated vegetation and habitats.

Illegal off-road vehicles are a threat to ground nesting shorebirds and dune vegetation. 

The Department of Conservation undertakes predator control for the protection of tara iti (fairy tern).

A sequence of vegetation from above.
A sequence of dune forestand scrub, through oioi knobby clubrush sedgeland to mangroves.
Photo credit: Andrew Macdonald, Biospatial Ltd 2018

Related ecosystems

Active coastal sand dunes ecosystem

Spinifex, pīngao grassland or sedgeland ecosystem (DN2)

Dunelands occur where erosion and accretion of sand creates mobile dune systems. Due to the extreme conditions only a few highly specialised, drought tolerant plant species have adapted.

Threat status
Endangered

Active coastal sand dunes ecosystem

Oioi, knobby clubrush sedgeland ecosystem (DN5)

Large dune plains such as those at Whatipū and Papakanui Spit occur with accreting coastlines behind mobile dunes. The mosaic of dry and ephemeral plant communities provide habitat for many native fauna.

Threat status
Critically endangered

Coastal saline ecosystem

Mangrove forest and scrub ecosystem (SA1)

Mangrove forest and scrub is found in tidal estuaries, inlets and where salt water meets fresh at the mouths of rivers and streams. This ecosystem has a range of distinct plant communities that provide habitat for birds and fish.

Threat status
Least concern

Warm forest ecosystem

Tōtara, kānuka, broadleaved forest (dune forest) ecosystem (WF5)

This rare and threatened forest ecosystem occurs on stabilised sand dunes on the coastal peninsulas of South Head, Tapora and Awhitu. It is home to tūī, piwakawaka (fantail), and kōtare (kingfisher).

Threat status
Critically endangered

Wetland ecosystem

Raupō reedland ecosystem (WL19)

Raupō swamps are found in a wide range of areas on mineral soils and fluctuating water tables. They are dominated by raupō and other rushes and grasses, which provide a home for wetland birds.

Threat status
Endangered