The Awarua Wetland is a peatland area of 20,000 hectares (49,000 acres) in the Southland Region of New Zealand.

The site, which was initially an area of about 3,556 hectares (8,790 acres), was designated as having international significance under the Ramsar Convention in 1976, using the name Waituna Wetlands Scientific Reserve.

[2][3] Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick unveiled a plaque at New River Estuary on 4 May 2008.

This wetland is unique in New Zealand as it includes privately owned ground (Gamble, Nicol, and Rance families).

It is a small sanctuary for the declining native fresh water fish population.