Photo: Otago Coastline Fossil Forest Curio Bay

The turquoise colored water along the coastline of the Fossil Forest at Curio Bay in Otago, New Zealand.

The white caps swirl on the surface of the turquoise colored water along the coastline of Curio Bay in Otago, New Zealand as the tide has receded bearing the bull kelp. The bright yellows and browns that make up the kelp still twinkle in the sunlight from the water's touch.

Small creatures may come to life when the tide is out and the light lures them but a majority of them hide beneath the kelp and wait for the water to take them back. Each piece of kelp that adorns the coastline at the Fossil Forest in Curio Bay lays flatly against the rocks until it is swept upright by the motion of the water.

Bull kelp reproduces at an extremely fast pace and the coastline of Curio Bay, Otago seems to be a favorite spot for it. Be very careful when wandering this coastline at low tide, as sea creatures could be crushed and fossils that may be as old as 160 million years can be destroyed.

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... of visitors come to the Fossil Forest at Curio Bay while touring through Otago to see the ancient fossils, the vast amount of bull kelp and the beautiful colored water. Be sure to check ahead for the lowest tide to get the most out of your trip to Curio Bay but even at high tide, the scenery is amazing.

Bull Kelp, Durvillea potatorum, fringing the Fossil Forest at Curio Bay, Southern Scenic Route, Catlins, Otago, East Coast, South Island, New Zealand.