Waipu River Mouth Wildlife Reserve

I was going on a road trip one day from Auckland to Ruakaka, and got down the road, when I read a sign on the way that the main entrance to Ruakaka was closed. So I headed for Waipu and down to Lang's Beach. Its a three hour trip driving one way.
Well the first photos was on the North side of the Brynderwyn Ranges which will be in another post. However, this stop was really interesting as the plants and sand of this site is rather unusual.
Our New Zealand birds are in danger of anything like dogs or other animals and its not ideal to take any dog there. However there are other places where dogs are allowed near by.
In this photo you can see the outline of the North Head of Whangarei harbour. Its one of the deepest harbours in New Zealand.

For this second photo you will see a sand dune on the left and you will see the outline of Whangarei's North head. In between there is a faint outline of Marsden Point Oil Refinery.
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On the next photo you will see the sand dunes opposite where we parked our car , beyond that sand dune is the sea .()
Here is a photo of the sand dune and you can just make out the sea in-between a gap

I am really interested in the fact that this grass can grow so close to the water

Looking South down the river you see this

Overall I think this place is very interesting to anyone who likes wildlife or nature I captured some of the resident birds, Paradise Shelducks.

And another view of the sand dune here.
And another view of the grass by the water


I hope you like the photos, if you like this place, there are places to suit your budget to stay near the area. The sand dune is joined close to the main land and you can easily walk around to admire the view and the wild life.