Birdlings Flat

Birdlings Flat, originally named Te Mata Hapuku, is a settlement in Canterbury, New Zealand, at the eastern end of Kaitorete Spit and the southern end of Lake Forsyth, where the lake discharges to the sea. It is not far from eastern end of Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora. The name Birdlings Flat is also commonly used for the nearby pebble beach on the ocean side of Kaitorete Spit.

Birdlings Flat
Fishing at Birdlings Flat
Coordinates: 43.824415°S 172.70575°E / -43.824415; 172.70575
CountryNew Zealand
RegionCanterbury Region
DistrictChristchurch City
WardBanks Peninsula
CommunityTe Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula
Electorates
Government
  Territorial AuthorityChristchurch City Council
  Regional councilEnvironment Canterbury
  Mayor of ChristchurchPhil Mauger
  Banks Peninsula MPVanessa Weenink
  Te Tai Tonga MPTākuta Ferris
Area
  Total0.47 km2 (0.18 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2023)
  Total210
  Density450/km2 (1,200/sq mi)

The beach is well known as a place to find small agates and a variety of other attractive rounded pebbles. Due to strong ocean currents, swimming and surfing is not advised. Hector's dolphins live along the beach in notable numbers, and fur seals, whales such as southern right whales, and much more rarely elephant seals cavort and rest there.

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