Physical Environment
The coastline from Cape Karikari to Knuckle Point consists of rocky outcrops and headlands, interspersed with sandy beaches. Caves are common in the rocky cliffs. The area is in general exposed to the north-east, but the convoluted coastline leads to differences in wave exposure over small distances.
Flora & Fauna
The algal assemblages in the rocky sub-tidal on the eastern side of Cape Karikari are very similar to those on the western side and at the Cape itself (these are described in the previous section, Rangaunu Bay: Puheke Beach-Cape Karikari ) - zones through depth gradients of Carpophyllum, Lessonia and Ecklonia . In some places (e.g. Takini Point) Sargassum species are the dominant algae, along with Ecklonia . Red algae, such as Pterocladia lucida, Melanthalia abscissa and Vidalia colensoi appear as understorey plants 5-8 m below extreme low water.
Fish in this area are extremely diverse and abundant. In a study of fish in the area, 64 species in 33 families were recorded over 7 sites between Black Point (Te Rae o te Rakau) and Pihakoa Point (Willan et al., 1979). The number of species observed during this short survey is high in relation to species diversity records for New Zealand, and second only to the Poor Knights Islands for species diversity. It was suggested that this is related to the geography and submarine topography of the area, the type of available substrata, and the availability of sediment-free oceanic water.
The coastline itself has been extensively modified by the removal of vegetation, and the dunes at Maitai Bay have been stabilised by marram grass.
References:
Willan, R. C., J. M. Dollimore and J. Nicholson. 1979. A survey of fish populations at Karikari Peninsula, Northland, by scuba diving. New Zealand Journal of Marine & Freshwater Research. 13 (3):447-458.
>>> RETURN TO MAIN DOCUMENT: Contents or List at end of Chapter 3