Our coast

Northland has approximately 3,000 km of coastline stretching from the Mangawhai Harbour on the east coast, North towards Cape Rēinga, and down the west coast to the entrance of the Kaipara Harbour. Along the coast there are numerous offshore islands, stacks, and estuaries supporting a diverse array of marine life. Bounded by the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Northland’s coastal waters are home to the highest diversity of fish and invertebrates of any region in mainland New Zealand and contain marine ecosystems of regional and national importance. The ocean, beaches and estuaries are integral to our communities, providing kai moana, recreational opportunities, environmental resources, and economic opportunities.

But our coastal environment is under pressure from activities on land, activities in the coastal marine area, and marine pests.  Many Northland communities are located on our coast so we are also at risk from coastal hazards and changing climate.  

Managing the activities that occur in the coastal environment, as well as activities on land, that may impact the diverse range of plants and animals that call the ocean home is a challenge, complicated by our incomplete knowledge of the marine environment and the coastal processes that shape it.