T.E.R:R.A.I.N - Taranaki Educational Resource: Research, Analysis and Information Network


View Maps

Taranaki Coastline

To view a place on the Taranaki coast, zoom in to it using this map. buttonThe toolbar at the top allows you to navigate about the map. Click on the function required, which is then highlighted blue. Aerial images become available when you zoom in. Roads are named.

For assistance with the maps see Guide to use maps

Taranaki has two marine reserves, Parininihi in the north, and Tapuae near New Plymouth. These 'no-take' reserves have the purpose of scientific research. The Sugar Loaf Marine Protected Area (SLIMPA) which protects the seabed, and has specific fishing regulations adjoins Tapaue.

1. Tapuae Marine Reserve and Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Protected Area

Boundaries, surveys and images of the area

  • Habitat and biodiversity  - by Ian Cooper, The Department of Conservation, Emma Crofsky and Peter McComb.
  • Recreational Use Survey - Nga Motu Marine Reserve Society Inc.
  • Photographs of the shoreline

2. Penguin nesting boxes - see below.

3. Penguin Sightings- enter your information please

  • Select the penguin icon at the bottom of the left hand column 'Table of Contents'. This provides a menu which allows you to enter historic or current penguin sightings.
  • Then click on the map to select the place you spotted a penguin. You may move the location by dragging the point with the mouse.
  • Enter the sighting details - on the calendar choose the observation date and the activity of the penguin - or numbers of tracks seen on the beach. If the penguin is sick or dead, please also report it to DOC.
  • Please supply your name and email address for verification purposes.

The aerial imagery of Taranaki is supplied by Taranaki Regional Council. The T.E.R:R.A.I.N. project acknowledges this generous support. No commercial usage of the aerials is permitted

Penguin nest boxes:

Coastal schools and beach communities are installing pengin nest-boxes, and pest traps, to give the penguins a safer environment to raise chicks. Please contact us if you would like to record your efforts and link maps to any information you put into the kete.

Puketapu School - Bell Block. Zoom in on the Taranaki map to Bell Block. See images of penguin nest boxes and traps. Use the "info" tool to , and query the nesting success and the details of trap catch.

If you would like to build a penguin box, see the plans on the New Zealand Penguin website. The box can be sited so that it is well concealed in suitable habitat.

A Little Blue Penguin nest-box with a driftwood disguise.