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Environment
Breathless. That’s how the Northland environment will quite often leave you.
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| Northland's long coastline is diverse in its beauty - there is another wonder around every corner |
A warm, green subtropical climate (no snow here!), clean fresh air, extraordinary coastlines and dunes, rolling green pastureland and flat lowlands, wild primordial forests, impressive limestone features and old volcanoes.
Northland is home to ancient kauri tree forests which provide habitats for Northland wildlife including the brown kiwi – New Zealand’s iconic bird. Rare wildlife include bats, and birdlife like the haunting kokako.
Northland has 1,700 km of coastline. To the West lies the Tasman Sea and to the East, the South Pacific Ocean.
The west coast is a wild environment with great surf and sweeping sand dunes. The east coast provides a usually calmer environment with white sandy beaches and sublime coves although there are also some top surf spots.
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| Northland's world famous underwater environment is simply spectacular |
Estuaries and tidal mangrove flats on both coasts teem with wild life including resident and migratory birds.
Most of the coastline and harbours are safe for fishing as well as for gathering shellfish – fresh New Zealand kaimoana (seafood) is one of life’s great delights.
The coastline is rich in aquatic life of a slightly larger size, with pods of dolphins, orca and whales commonly sighted.
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| Up close and personal with a dolphin in the Bay of Islands |
In summer the coasts blaze with the deep red of the flowering pōhutukawa, native to the north and sometimes referred to as New Zealand’s Christmas tree
The marine reserve, Poor Knights Islands and surrounding waters, are renowned for their remarkable caves and natural arches.
Many islands lie off the coast and indeed the Bay of Islands is named for its sprinkling of 150 islands.
And Northlanders are committed to preserving this wonderful environment with many individuals and agencies recognising and working to balance the sustainable growth of industry, particularly agriculture and tourism, with the needs of the environment.
Related Websites
- Northland New Zealand: Wildlife & Nature
Take a look at some wildlife and nature activities available in Northland - Northland New Zealand: Wildlife & Nature
Take a look at some wildlife and nature activities available in Northland - Northland Regional Council
The Northland Regional Council is the agency responsible for the natural and physical resources of the region - Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai
The Department of Conservation is the government organisation charged with conserving the natural and historic heritage of New Zealand
The following websites all offer a variety of information about Northland’s environment