This popular recreational area is found at Foxton Beach township. It is used more for boating and fishing than swimming. You will see jet skis, power boats, kayaks and sailing boats.The Manawatu River Estuary is also recognised internationally as one of the most important estuarine ecosystems in New Zealand and is of interest for bird watchers, photographers, artists and ecologists. Facilities include a boat launching ramp and wharf on Hartley Street. The wharf is a popular fishing spot for youngsters. Foxton Beach is a holiday town, so there are excellent facilities close to the estuary. Foxton swimming beach is just 5 minutes away over the sand dunes. Further information on the Foxton Beach coastal reserves can be found here. Is it safe for recreation? Water quality at the Manawatu River Estuary depends on the tides and whether it has rained recently in the Manawatu Catchment upstream. That means it is almost always safe for swimming when the tide floods into the estuary and is generally safe for swimming on an outgoing tide, except during and after a river fresh. Rain washes bacteria and sediment off streets, roads, plants and land into water which increase health-risk and makes it look murky. Although boating should remain safe, it is best to wait for three or four days of fine weather before contact recreation like water skiing. What is Horizons doing to improve the river? Water quality in the Manawatu River Estuary is a result of what happens in the huge catchment area upstream of it. Horizons works to improve water quality by: