Marlborough’s East Coast beaches are entering their busy season. With Labour Weekend and summer approaching, now is an important time to remind visitors that the area’s unique wildlife and fragile habitats depend on people adhering to the rules.
The long stretch of sand, dunes and reefs supports species found nowhere else, including tiny flightless moths, rare dune plants, bird species like dotterels and the native Katipō spider. The coastline was uplifted by the 2016 earthquake, turning previously tide-protected areas into open habitat and increasing the need for care and protection.
More than half the coastline between the Awatere and Waima / Ure river mouths is recognised as ecologically significant. The East Coast Beach Vehicle Bylaw limits vehicles on beaches, reefs and dunes for over 28.5 km to protect fragile breeding, feeding and nesting areas.
In general, all vehicles are prohibited on beaches from the mouth of the Awatere River to south of the Waima / Ure River, with the following exceptions:
- Boat launching and retrieval in designated areas at Marfells Beach and Ward Beach
- ATV/UTVs are allowed south of the Marfells Beach campsite to the end of the ‘airstrip’, with restrictions
- Vehicles are allowed south of the Waima / Ure River to the southern district boundary, travelling under 30km/h.
No vehicles are allowed on dunes or reefs throughout the bylaw area.
Enjoy the coast responsibly so that future generations can camp, fish and walk these special places in the same way we do today.
For further information check out the new information board at Marfells Beach camping ground or
go to the East Coast Beach Vehicle Bylaw 2023 webpage
