Coast
The Southland coastline is 3,400km long, the longest of any region in New Zealand, and one seventh of the New Zealand total. It extends from Fiordland in the west (Awarua Point) round the south coast to the Catlins in the east (Waiparau Head) and includes the coast of Stewart Island/Rakiura and islands nearby. Southland’s coastal waters lie in the Tasman Sea, Foveaux Strait and the Pacific Ocean.
We monitor bathing water quality at both marine and freshwater bathing sites over summer each year. Find out the latest results here.
Learn more about our role with cruise ships; download the Deed of Agreement and get more information on passage courses and distances for cruise ships visiting Southland.
As part of our estuary programme, we monitor eight estuaries, one harbour and one lagoon. Learn more about our estuaries and the results of our monitoring.
Learn more about our role with cruise ships, boating rules and the rules of navigational safety in Southland, and register your intention to take your moored vessel into Fiordland. By registering you will help us to keep marine pests out of this sensitive marine environment.
Environment Southland and the Department of Conservation have collaborated to develop a holistic approach to how we manage our responsibilities in Fiordland. Learn more about this project and our approach.
Environment Southland is the brand name of Southland Regional Council.