Canterbury has a spectacular and diverse coastline stretching from Kaikoura in the north to the Waitaki River. In between are the sandy beaches and dunes of Pegasus Bay, the rocky platforms of Kaikoura and Banks Peninsula, coastal lagoons, estuaries and shingle beaches.

Each one is unique, with its own set of ecological processes, biodiversity, values and issues. 

What is on?

Each year we coordinate Seaweek activities across Canterbury as part of our commitment to the NZ Association for Environmental Education (NZAEE) programme. In 2013, the week will run from March 2nd - 10th with the theme Toiora te Moana - Toiora te Takata: Healthy Seas - Healthy People. The theme highlights our many connections with the sea and calls on Kiwis from all walks of life to celebrate Takaroa's realm, tackle issues such as pollution, pest species and illegal harvesting of the sea's bounty, and keep our seas healthy for all.
Events for 2013 will be listed on the Seaweek website and promoted nationally. A wide variety of exciting events occurs at national, regional and local levels.
A brochure outlining events in Canterbury is available here (pdf 360 kB) 

Factsheets created over time for Seaweek Canterbury 

Back to the future - the culture, traditions and history of the sea (pdf 370 kB)
Godwits - the world famous, record-breaking birds! (pdf 259 kB)
Coastal Birds - New Zealand Kingfisher (Kotare) & South Island Pied Oystercatcher (Torea) (pdf 602 kB)
Large-bellied seahorse (pdf 217 kB)
One Ocean - Turning the Tide (pdf 852 kB)

Sea Chest

A coastal resource for teachers. Canterbury’s Spectacular Coast and Marine and Coastal Animals are free to all schools and interested community groups in Canterbury. These books have been designed to be used in combination but can be used separately.

Supplements include lesson plans and activities:

Canterbury's Spectacular Coast (pdf 1.8 MB)
Canterbury's Marine and Coastal Animals (pdf 1.7 MB)
Spectacular Coast - Coastal Dunes (pdf 991 kB)
Spectacular Coast - Coastal Wetlands (pdf 1.61 MB)
Spectacular Coast - Rocky Shore (pdf 3.97 MB)

Your Environment, Canterbury (E-box) The Canterbury coastline

The Canterbury coastline is spectacular. This issue explores the many different features along this diverse stretch of New Zealand's coast, from dunes to lagoons.

The Canterbury coastline (pdf 3.35 MB)

Interactive websites

• Wild Wonderful Coastal Wetlands
• Dramatic Dynamic Dunes