Washdyke Lagoon

Washdyke Lagoon
Waitarakao (Māori)
Location of the lagoon in New Zealand.
Location of the lagoon in New Zealand.
Washdyke Lagoon
LocationCanterbury, New Zealand
Coordinates44°21′49″S 171°15′09″E / 44.3637°S 171.2525°E / -44.3637; 171.2525
Typelagoon
Surface area48 hectares (0.48 km2)

Washdyke Lagoon is a brackish shallow coastal lagoon approximately 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) north of Timaru, South Canterbury, New Zealand. The lagoon has drastically reduced in size since 1881 when it was approximately 253 hectares (630 acres), now it is less than 48 hectares (0.48 km2) in area. It is enclosed by a barrier beach that is 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) long and 3 metres (9.8 ft) above high tide at its largest point (see Figure 1). The reduced lagoon size is due to the construction of the Timaru Port breakwater which is preventing coarse sediments from reaching and replenishing Washdyke Barrier. This is important as the lagoon and the surrounding 250 hectares (620 acres) are classified as a wildlife refuge and it demonstrates the role human structures have on coastline evolution.[1]

  1. ^ Kirk, R. M. & Lauder, G. A. (2000). Significant coastal lagoon systems in the South Island, New Zealand. Science for conservation 146.