Author(s): Keith Probert; John Jillett; Sally Carson

NZ Natural History

New Zealand sits in a very watery part of the world. The Pacific stretches out to the north and east, while to the south is continuous ocean. It has the fourth largest Exclusive Economic Zone, with a band 200 nautical miles wide around the country, including its offshore islands. Only a fraction of this vast area has been explored. From what is known already, it is clear that these seas harbour a fascinating diversity of marine life.
Southern New Zealand boasts wave-lashed coasts and ocean beaches, sheltered inlets and the grandeur of Fiordland. Its marine life is equally varied. Best known are the large seabirds and marine mammals