Photo: Curio Bay Coastline South Island

The water crashes against the coastline of Curio Bay in Otago on the South Island of New Zealand.

The rough and rugged coastline of Curio Bay on the South Island of New Zealand is adorned with kelp as the ocean slaps up against the cliffs. The kelp borders the edges of the beach and the rock formations that jut out into the water and creates a spectacular picture.

Curio Bay is considered an International Treasure and is home to amazing fossils that take you back to life over millions of years ago. The coastline brings about 100,000 people a year to the South Island and steps are being taken to protect the area of Curio Bay so that humans do not damage the fossil site or ward off the wildlife.

There are guided walks of about thirty five minutes in duration that are suitable for any age group. Journey along the coastline to the fossil site or scour the waters of Curio Bay for any sign of a Hector Dolphin or a Yellow-Eyed Penguin.

Many of the penguins nest along the kelp covered coastline of Curio Bay as well as fur seals and sea lions that lounge on the rock formations. ... continue below the picture...

This picture is part of the photo album "Ocean Pictures" - there are more beautiful images waiting for you.

... The dolphins feed close to the shoreline and prefer the shallows water for some surfing activity.

Curio Bay on the South Island of New Zealand is not overly large but there is a great deal of activity that happens along this section of the coastline.

Kelp fringed coastline of Curio Bay at the Fossil Forest, Southern Scenic Route, Catlins, Otago, East Coast, South Island, New Zealand.