Where better to see the changes stamped on the land over millions of years.and investigate ecology first hand. The Coast - that first strip of land, exposed to storms from the sea. Forest - where giant trees shelter delicate ferns and mosses, and a home for insects and birds. Wildlife - We have our very own species of geko, a lizard. Bats and seals have been joined by introduced mammals.
Seabirds abound on the offshore islands.
With a long coast and deep indented inlets there's plenty of scope for coastal birds. Humans - are part of the ecosystem too. Our species has exploited minerals, timber and the sea. There's evidence of past human activity, but it's minimal compared with most of New Zealand.