East Marlborough Coast

East Marlborough's coast is markedly different from that of the Sounds, although it too is highly varied with contrasts of rocky and mudstone reefs, gravel beaches and the shallow Wairau Lagoons.

The Wairau Lagoons are a large expanse of semi-enclosed shallow water. Water passes between the wetlands and the sea via a gravel and sand channel that has been extensively modified by a rock guide bank. This guide bank has been built, improved and maintained by harbour and river authorities for approximately 100 years.

This area has a long history in terms of both Maori and European occupation. The Boulder Bank adjacent to the Wairau Lagoons was occupied by early Maori up to 800 years ago, and is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in New Zealand.
The Wairau Lagoons are an important nursery for many fish species and also support a large and varied bird population including Royal Spoonbills, Banded Dotterals, Pied Stilts, Wrybills and various other waterfowl.

Further south between Cape Campbell and Wharanui the coastline is dominated by pea-gravel and gravel beaches interrupted by rocky headlands and reefs. The unique limestone outcrops of the Chancet Rocks and the Needles are located along this section of coastline. Sandy beaches and a small wetland at the Waima (Ure) River mouth are situated south of Ward Beach.

The sand and gravel beaches generally have very limited wildlife diversity, which is normally comprised of various crustaceans, algae, skinks, geckoes, birds and insects. The rock outcrops and platforms around and south of Cape Campbell are home to kelps, algaes, limpets, barnacles, crabs, catseyes, paua, crayfish, periwinkles and mussels.

Offshore crayfish, surfclams, scallops, horse mussels, butterfish, moki, cod, snapper, Hector's dolphins, kahawai and terakihi are all present. Both the Chancet Rocks and the Needles are home to fur seals and penguins.