Welcome to Ōmaha
Shorebird Sanctuary
Join us in protecting this vital habitat for generations to come.
Photo: Marie Ward
The Ōmaha Shorebird Sanctuary sits at the tip of Ōmaha Spit, between Ōmaha Bay and the pristine estuary of Whangateau Harbour. This is a habitat of national significance, where shorebirds come to feed on the rich tidal flats and rest in the sanctuary at high tide. Every year, faithful resident pairs return to lay their eggs in the dunes, protected by a predator fence.
With all of these advantages, why does the Ōmaha Shorebird Sanctuary fail to keep the shorebirds safe?
Our Species
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Northern New Zealand Dotterel, Variable Oystercatcher, Reef Heron, Pied Shag, Red-Billed Gulls, Southern Black-Backed Gulls, Spoonbills, White-faced Heron
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Fairy Tern, Pied Stilt, Banded Dotterel, South Island Pied Oystercatcher, Wrybill, Caspian Tern.
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Bar-tailed Godwits.
40+
breeding pairs of shorebirds
11,000km
the Godwits fly for a
much-needed rest at the sanctuary
years of community
conservation
30+
15 species
shorebird species
Photo: Marie Ward
Be a Responsible Visitor
Human disturbance is one of the main reasons our resident pairs are failing to raise a family. Here’s what you can do to give them a chance:
Bring binoculars to see the shorebirds from a distance.
Avoid visiting two hours before or after high tide. Birds are sleeping.
Use the middle entry gate (Walkway One) to enter and exit; don’t walk through and around the edge of the sanctuary. Birds are feeding.
Stay at least 10 metres from taped breeding areas. Nests and eggs are there.
If you are on the beach, walk on the wet sand and keep moving; do not linger. Parents and chicks need to feed.
Picnics, swimming, sunbathing, jogging and surfing are activities for outside the sanctuary.
Go fishing from the groynes outside the sanctuary. Bait attracts black-backed gulls - a predator of breeding shorebirds.
No dogs allowed in the sanctuary.
“I’ve been flying for 9 days, please don’t disturb my nap!” - Godwits
Recent activities at the sanctuary
Support our work by purchasing a limited-edition tea towel
Since 2009, the Trust has worked to make the Ōmaha Shorebird Sanctuary a safe place for shorebirds to nest, roost and feed. 100% of the funds raised from the sale of these tea towels will support the Trust’s work in monitoring, trapping, advocacy and awareness.
The Ōmaha Shorebird Protection Trust collaborated with local textile artist Ali Davies to illustrate the amazing shorebirds of Ōmaha Beach and Whangateau Harbour. A cheerful addition to any kitchen and an excellent choice for purposeful gifting. Thanks to Dan Marrow, our Community Park Ranger, and the Rodney Local Board for their help with this project.
Screen-printed on 100% organic cotton
Loop for hanging
Size: 50 × 70 cm
Limited Edition
Since 2009, the Trust has worked to make the Ōmaha Shorebird Sanctuary a safe place for shorebirds to nest, roost and feed. 100% of the funds raised from the sale of these tea towels will support the Trust’s work in monitoring, trapping, advocacy and awareness.
The Ōmaha Shorebird Protection Trust collaborated with local textile artist Ali Davies to illustrate the amazing shorebirds of Ōmaha Beach and Whangateau Harbour. A cheerful addition to any kitchen and an excellent choice for purposeful gifting. Thanks to Dan Marrow, our Community Park Ranger, and the Rodney Local Board for their help with this project.
Screen-printed on 100% organic cotton
Loop for hanging
Size: 50 × 70 cm
Limited Edition