Beaches and Dunes

Most of the Region’s western coasts consist of high-energy black sand beaches and dunes. The East Coast of the Region is more sheltered and beaches and dunes are mostly made of white sand.

Our beaches are inhabited by a variety of species including shellfish such as tuatua and biscuit shells and a variety of crustaceans such as sandhoppers and paddle crabs.

The dunes provide homes and food for small animals including insects, spiders, butterflies, moths and lizards which in turn provide habitats for shorebirds.

Endemic species of shorebirds are found along the Waikato shorelines including:

  • New Zealand dotterel
  • Variable oystercatcher
  • Wrybill
NZ Dotterel Image courtesy of Environment Waikato

Spread the word!

Leave a Comment

Join the Forum

Any individual, community group or organisation interested and committed to protecting and restoring biodiversity can be a member of the Forum. It is free to join. You will get an invite to Forum events and receive information on biodiversity workshops, useful biodiversity information, access to other members for sharing knowledge and ideas and help with restoration projects. So contact us and become a member for no cost.

X