Animals

Nelson’s coastline, estuaries, islands, and near‑shore waters provide habitat for a remarkable range of wildlife. From shorebirds and coastal lizards to seals, penguins, dolphins, and the juvenile fish that use our estuaries as nurseries, these species are an important part of the mauri of our coastal and marine environment.

Many of these animals are threatened or declining across Aotearoa and rely on healthy habitats, predator control, and protection from disturbance. Caring for our marine and coastal areas helps ensure these taonga species can survive and thrive for generations to come.

Shore and Sea Birds

Our coastal birds rely on open beaches, rocky shorelines, sandspits, and estuaries for feeding, nesting, and roosting. Nelson supports several nationally significant species, including:

Banded dotterel (Tuturiwhatu)
Variable oystercatcher (Tōrea pango)
Bar-tailed godwit (Kuaka)
Banded rail (Moho‑pereru)
White‑fronted tern (Tara)
Red‑billed gull
Spotted Shag
Little Penguin (Kororā)

These birds are highly sensitive to disturbance, especially when nesting on open sand and shingle, they are particularly vulnerable to people and off‑lead dogs. Many of these species frequent the Waimea Inlet, Nelson Haven, and Delaware Estuary, where they depend on intact estuary edges, saltmarsh, and shallow waters to feed and rest.

Lizards and Invertebrates

Our coastal environments are home to several native lizards and coastal invertebrates, including:

Back beach beetle
Common skink

Rocky coastal habitats, dunes, and islands (such as Haulashore Island and the Boulder Bank) provide important refuges.

Watch: Saving the Back Beach Beetle

Marine Mammals

Nelson’s coast and Tasman Bay are visited by several marine mammals throughout the year:

New Zealand Fur Seal (kekeno)
Hector's Dolphins
Orca whales - seasonal visitors

Ocean and Estuary Fish

Many fish species use estuaries as nurseries or move between fresh and saltwater environments:

Inanga (esturaine stage)
Tina/eels as they migrate to and from the sea.
Eagle rays

Healthy estuaries are essential for supporting kai moana species and food webs.

Threats to Marine and Coastal Animals

Human Disturbance

Nest trampling and site disturbance
Off‑lead dogs disturbing birds
People approaching seals, penguins, or roosting birds
Vehicles and recreation on dunes and beaches

Predators

Rats, stoats, ferrets, and cats prey on eggs, chicks, lizards, and invertebrates
Mustelids and rats are major threats on the Boulder Bank and Haulashore Island

Habitat Loss and Degradation

Dune collapse
Weed invasion (marram, gorse, Spanish heath)
Loss of native dune, cliff, and estuary vegetation
Dredging or reclamation, development
Pollution

Climate Change Impacts

Sea-level rise inundating nesting sites
Coastal erosion and storm surges reducing available habitat
loss of nesting and feeding areas

What Council Is Doing

Nelson City Council works with iwi, DOC, Tasman District Council, and community groups to protect and restore coastal and marine wildlife. Our mahi includes:

Controlling predators on key sites such as the Boulder Bank and Haulashore Island
Enhancing and restoring dune and estuary habitats
Managing invasive weeds to protect native dune vegetation
Supporting habitat enhancement for banded rail, back beach beetle, shorebirds, and coastal lizards
Monitoring coastal birds and ecosystem health
Implementing the Waimea Inlet Strategy and Action Plan
Providing support and advice for coastal landowners

This mahi helps safeguard vulnerable species and support long-term ecosystem health.

Major Programmes Supporting our Marine and Coastal Animals

These programmes contribute directly to restoring coastal and estuary habitats; and the protection of marine and coastal wildlife:

Marine and Coastal Environmental Programme
Nelson Nature – biodiversity and species protection
Environmental Grants Programme – improving catchment-to-coast health
Halo Projects – predator control
Healthy Steams programme - protecting our rivers and streams

What You Can Do

Help protect Nelson’s coastal wildlife — respect nesting sites, join a local group, and take simple actions that keep our beaches, estuaries, and dunes thriving.

Keep dogs on a lead near shorebird nesting areas
Stay on marked tracks and avoid walking on dunes
Join coastal restoration or pest control groups
Log sightings on iNaturalist
Avoid disturbing roosting or nesting birds - Tips to help protect our shore birds
Support dune planting days or estuary restoration events
If you’re a coastal landowner, you can contact Nelson Nature for advice - nelson.nature@ncc.govt.nz

Small actions help protect fragile coastal habitats.

For more opportunities to help our environment visit our 'What Can I do?' Page

Resources

Watch: Animated Video Oyster Catchers

Short animation about giving our Oyster Catchers space that need to breed.