Whats happening
The Coast (Takutai)
Rugged, windswept and teeming with life, New Zealand's 15,000km coastline is the world's 10th longest. New Zealand's isolated location is ideal for marine life; with deep oceans rich in food and scattered islands that offer a respite from global migrations. These migrations are some of nature's greatest stories, and these stories have become part of our culture.
In Te Wao Nui, The Coast represents New Zealand's iconic coastal habitat. Throughout this habitat, the unique plants of the coast grow amongst the dunes and rocks, while little penguins and New Zealand fur seals explore the waters. The human influence is evident through a boatshed that illustrates our strong connection with nature and our need to respect it.
Our weather-battered coastline is an environment that only the hardiest and most adaptable of wildlife can call home. But there are elements that even these plants and animals cannot withstand. As the kaitiaki (guardians) of our land, we have the opportunity to protect and conserve our unique environment.
Some species in The Coast: Little penguin, NZ fur seal, spotted shag