Farewell Spit is for the birds

Press, 13 September 1988, Page 36

Farewell Spit is for the birds

Farewell Spit is one of the most significant geographical features of New Zealand. There is something special about any extremity where you finally get as far as you can go on land and though Farewell Spit at the north-west extremity of the South Island it does not have the same place in popular myth as North Cape or Bluff it has something far more important in international terms — the birds.

Farewell Spit is managed as a wildlife sanctuary and has been designated as a wetland of international importance.

Each summer it is invaded by tens of thousands of wading birds from Siberia, godwits, wrybills, Mongolian dotterels, curlews and others with equally delightful names. In recent years a gannet colony has also established itself.

In all about 90 species of birds use the spit feeding mainly on the shellfish of the vast tidal flats which are uncovered on the southern side of the spit with each fall of the tide.

Farewell Spit has been a nature reserve since 1938 and public entry is strictly controlled. Foot access is allowed for four kilometres along the ocean side of the spit measured from the vehicle track, or for a slightly lesser distance on the sheltered side.

Alternatively visitors can take the four wheel

drive Farewell Spit Safari tours from Collingwood which travel out as far as the lighthouse, 20 kilometres from the base of the spit.

Fishing parties and scientific groups can also obtain special permits to venture further out on the spit.

Protection of the birdlife is not the only reason for limiting access to the spit. With its exposure to high winds and sandstorms and with its constantly changing topography, the spit can be a savage and dangerous place.