Conservation in Hauraki Coromandel

The Pohutukawa, often called New Zealand's Christmas tree, is famous for its brilliant red flowers that bloom in summer, especially along The Coromandel’s coastline. These resilient trees cling to cliffs and shorelines, providing shelter and food for native wildlife. 

The Kauri is one of New Zealand’s most iconic and ancient trees, towering above the forests of The Coromandel. These majestic giants play a vital role in the ecosystem, supporting diverse wildlife. However, they are currently under threat from Kauri dieback disease, making conservation efforts crucial to their survival. Visitors to The Coromandel can admire these trees while helping protect them by following simple steps, such as cleaning your shoes when entering and leaving the forest and staying on marked trails. 

The Blue Pinkgill, or Werewere Kokako, is a striking blue mushroom native to New Zealand and found in The Coromandel. It is featured on our $50 note and allegedly is the only mushroom depicted on currency worldwide.

The Coromandel Brown Kiwi is a species of kiwi found in the Coromandel Peninsula. Known for their smaller size and unique call, these nocturnal birds are a symbol of the region’s thriving biodiversity. Thanks to ongoing predator control and conservation efforts, the Coromandel Brown Kiwi population is growing, making the area one of the few places where you can hear these iconic birds in the wild.

Archey’s Frog, one of the world’s most ancient and smallest frogs, is a rare and special species found in The Coromandel’s forests. Unlike most frogs, they have no tadpole stage, hatching as fully formed frogs. As a critically endangered species, they are a vital part of New Zealand’s natural heritage and an important focus of conservation efforts in The Coromandel.

The Weta or Tokoriko is a remarkable insect native to New Zealand. It is recognized for its large size and nocturnal behaviour. Found mainly in dark, humid caves, this weta can grow up to 100 mm long, including its long legs and antennae.

The Coromandel green-lipped mussel is a culinary and ecological treasure, renowned for its vibrant green shell and delicious taste. Found along the pristine waters of the Coromandel coast, these mussels are not only a popular seafood delicacy but also play a crucial role in filtering and cleaning the ocean. They are sustainably farmed in the region and highlight the balance between environmental care and local industry in The Coromandel.

The Dotterel is a delightful shorebird that thrives in The Coromandel, which is a key area for its survival. The region offers numerous vital breeding and nesting sites along its sandy beaches and coastal dunes. Thanks to these protected habitats, the Dotterel can continue to flourish. Conservation efforts in The Coromandel are crucial for preserving these important sites and supporting the ongoing health of this vulnerable species.

The Northern Striped Gecko was a mystery to science until its discovery in 1997 at a Coromandel home. Today, it remains one of New Zealand’s rarest and most restricted gecko species. This striking gecko is found only in a few locations in The Coromandel, which highlights the region’s unique biodiversity. 

The Bar-tailed Godwit is a remarkable migratory bird that frequents The Coromandel’s shores. Known for its long-distance migrations, this species travels thousands of kilometers between its breeding grounds in the Arctic and its wintering sites in New Zealand. The Coromandel’s estuaries and mudflats provide essential feeding grounds for these birds during their epic journeys, making it a crucial stopover in their migratory route.