Every beach has a range of habitats, and different kinds of living things can be found in each habitat

New Zealand beaches include a variety of distinct habitats, each supporting a wide range of living things. All beaches share several characteristics:

• Land forming their shores – hard, such as cliffs and rocks, or soft, such as sand or mud.

• Presence of water – saltwater or a combination of saltwater and freshwater in mudflats and estuaries.

• Tides (tai) – regularly fluctuating levels of water.

Within each habitat, there are a range of conditions to be found with specific adaptations needed by the inhabitants in order to survive.

Related articles

• Marine habitats

• Habitats in the Bay of Plenty

• Marine organisms and adaptations

• Crabs finding home

Related activities

• Marine Metre Squared

• Where do I live?

Related images

• Marine Metre Squared survey information record sheet

Image: Ngarimu Bay, Anne Barker.