Coastal case studies
The Waikato region’s coastal environment is varied and complex. It is home to a number of internationally, nationally and regionally important sites.
Special places
These include:
- The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
- Te Whanganui a Hei Marine Reserve
- The wetlands at the southern shore of the Firth of Thames.
The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is a first for New Zealand. Established in February 2000 it aims to integrate management between the land and sea, so that the effects of land use are considered and the Hauraki Gulf waters are protected. Visit the Department of Conservation website to find out more about the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
Find out more about Te Whanganui a Hei Marine Reserve.
Find out more about the Miranda shellbank and the birds in the southern Firth of Thames.
Areas of significant conservation value
Our Regional Coastal Plan describes 25 areas of significant conservation value in the region’s coastal marine area. Check out the map in our coastal plan showing these areas of significant conservation value.
These areas were chosen because they:
- have high cultural or historic values
- contain protected areas or wetlands, estuaries and lagoons of national or international importance
- provide breeding, roost or feeding sites for birds and marine mammals
- contain threatened plants and animals
- are important scenic sites
- are examples of significant coastal landforms.