Photo: Waipapa Point Beach South Island New Zealand

When the tide is out, a Paua Shell was left on the sandy shores along the beach of Waipapa Point on the South Island of New Zealand.

Large jagged rocks adorn the coastline around Waipapa Point on the Catlins Highway on the South Island of New Zealand but when the tide recedes a beautiful sandy beach becomes visible. Left along the beach at Waipapa Point, is a Paua Shell which can be one of the most colorful shells in the world and is very unique to the New Zealand coastline.This shell will wait along the beach until the water swoops back in along Waipapa Point and takes it back out into the ocean. Shells found along the beach should be left as they may still be home to a live Paua. A Paua Shell Factory in New Zealand is a place to visit if you want to learn about Paua, the colorful shells and see what beautiful creations they can become once the shell is empty.This Paua Shell is still covered with grey colored encrustations as it sits alone on the beach at Waipapa Point. Wandering along this stretch of beach at low tide is a fascinating trek as you never know what you may find that may have been washed up. ... continue below the picture...

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

... The scenery is also very spectacular as you can see for miles across the horizon to a world that seems endless.Waipapa Point on the South Island of New Zealand is known to be a danger to water vessels that pass by the area and a lighthouse was erected at the Point to aid in preventing shipwrecks. One of the worst shipping disasters happened off this coastline and there are hopes that since the lighthouse was placed at Waipapa Point, there will never be a repeat performance.Tranquility surrounds you as you wander along the beach at Waipapa Point on the South Island of New Zealand while breathing in the crisp ocean air. Take an hour on your journey around the South Island of New Zealand and explore Waipapa Point, maybe you will be lucky to cross paths with a Paua Shell and if not, the scenery is spectacular.Paua Shell on the beach at Waipapa Point in the Catlins along the Catlin's Highway, Southern Scenic Route, Southland, South Island, East Coast, New Zealand.