Virtual New Zealand logo
 

Photos

  »  Cities
»  Towns
»  Mountains
»  Coastline
»  Volcanic
»  Flora
»  Fauna
»  Lakes
»  Rivers
»  Geology
»  Rural
»  Sport
»  Culture
»  License

 

 

 

South Coast - photos

Red Rocks photo
Cook Strait photo
Cook Strait photo
Palliser Bay photo
Southerly Storm photo
Red Rocks photo
Red Rocks photo
Lyall Bay photo
Palliser Bay photo
Palliser Bay photo
Pencarrow photo
Palliser Bay photo
Southerly Storm photo
Whatarangi photo
Whatarangi photo
Whatarangi photo
Wellington South Coast photo
Wellington South West Coast photo
Wellington South Coast photo
Putangirua Pinnacles photo
    

Related Photo Galleries

Seals photo
Wairarapa photos
Wellington Harbour photo
Southern Suburbs Wellington City photo
    
Wairarapa Coastline photoThe southern coastline of the North Island is a rocky coast often battered by huge swells and lashing winds from the Antarctica during winter and spring. Sandy beaches exist in pockets with some suitable for swimming during the warmer months. Popular spots on the coast exist within the boundaries of Wellington city mainly due to accesibility and safety while there is miles of more isolated coastline to explore outside of the city.

Most of the south coast within Wellington city sits within the Taputeranga Marine Reserve. This reserve extends 2.3km out to sea and along 3.3km of coastline encompassing Owhiro Bay, Island Bay, and Houghton Bay. It's protective status means you cannot fish or collect shell fish in order to boost native species that dwell here. The reserve is swept by three ocean currents that converge off the coast creating a wide range of habitats. This attract a unique rich mix of plants and sea life.

Great views of the South Island are visible along this coast with the peaks of the Kaikoura mountains standing out in winter when the peaks are covered in snow.

Notable places along the North Island's southern coastline include: Lyall and Houghtons bays for surfing, Red Rocks for walking and viewing seals, Princess Bay for swimming, and Owhiro Bay for diving and views of the South Island.

 

 

 

 

Author & photographer: David Johnson (Virtual New Zealand). Providing a credit or link is appreciated.
Our content: logos, site names, text, photos, and website design are protected by international copyright law.
Original versions of our photos can be purchased / licensed & web versions can be shared subject to conditions.