Photo: Curio Bay Kelp Fossil Forest New Zealand

The waves crash in along the rocky shoreline of Curio Bay near the Fossil Forest on the South Island of New Zealand as the water encompasses the kelp beds.

As the tide rushes in around Curio Bay in Otago, New Zealand the kelp slowly disappears under the surface of the water. When the tide is out, the kelp adorns the coastline of the bay at the Fossil Forest and makes it an intriguing place to explore. At high tide, the kelp is non-existent as it clings to the rocks at the bottom of the ocean and provides homes, shelter and food for many of the sea creatures.Along the Southern Scenic Route, you will find many fascinating coastline viewpoints but this one at Curio Bay near Fossil Forest is definitely worth a gander. Here you will find the kelp very thick as it intertwines its way along the rocky coastline, but tread very carefully as it can become very slippery and this is where the search for fossils begins.The Fossil Forest is located on a tidal platform in Curio Bay where you can find parts of trees, leaves and forest debris that have been known to date back as far as 160 million years ago. ... continue below the picture...

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... This was a great discovery by the scientists around New Zealand as these fossils have taught humans a great deal about the early existence of Mother Nature.Before heading to Curio Bay and the Fossil Forest on the South Island of New Zealand, be sure to check the tide guide for the lowest one of the day. This is the best time for the Fossil Forest to be bared and for the massive kelp beds to show their true colors. The scenery along this coastline is magnificent and when the tide begins its inward motion, the beautiful hues of the water crashes against the rocky coastline and once again the fossils are hidden.Kelp fringed coastline of Curio Bay at the Fossil Forest, Southern Scenic Route, Catlins, Otago, East Coast, South Island, New Zealand.