[1] The sandy and pebbly beaches, river mouths, estuaries and dunes provide a range of important habitats.

[1] The Ashley Rakahuri Estuary is major site for birds on the South Island east coast, with colonies of spotted shags / pārekareka and white-fronted terns / kahawai regularly sighted.

[6] In November 2018, extra enforcement patrols were introduced after four-wheel drivers caused destruction to the beach.

A surf club patrols Waikuku, Pegasus Town and Woodend during summer months.

[1] Land sailing is allowed on sea beaches and the Ashley Rakahuri estuary, with some rules in place.

[1] This includes a ban on using a drone or model aircraft, or taking off or landing a microlight or helicopter, in the Ashley / Rakahuri and Saltwater Creek estauarine areas.

[10] Vehicles are only allowed on the beach to transport recreational equipment such as boats, surf boards and fishing gear, and can get caught in changing tides.

The bay is suitable for drag netting of flounder and other fish, particularly just north of Kairaki at the Waimakariri River mouth.