Wellington is known for being a biodiversity-rich city with many of its surrounding hills protected in reserves and birdlife booming from active predator control. But Wellington is also a harbour city with spectacular wildlife concealed beneath its waves. Luckily, Wellington is also home to numerous talented underwater photographers, providing glimpses of these otherwise hidden treasures. Te Papa researcher Lara Shepherd shares her favourite photos of Wellington’s amazing underwater life and, just in time for the upcoming iNaturalist 2024 City Nature Challenge (April 26–April 29), provides suggestions for how to learn more about the oft-overlooked critters in our marine ‘backyard’.
With Wellington’s extensive coastline there are many easily-accessible places in which to explore marine life. However, Taputeranga Marine Reserve is the jewel in Wellington’s marine ‘crown’. Created in 2008, removal of marine life from within its 9 km2 area is prohibited. There is a high diversity of marine life within the reserve (and spilling beyond its borders) because of this protection, as well as the three large ocean currents converging in the area and wide range of different habitats available.
Diving, snorkelling and rockpooling are popular activities around Wellington’s coastline.
Here are some highlights of Wellington’s spectacular underwater life from the community of observers contributing to the iNaturalist website.
Jellyfish and other jelly-like animals
Jellyfish have fragile gelatinous bodies that look like upturned umbrellas. Despite their delicate looks, most are far from defenseless with their trailing tentacles loaded with stinging cells.
Over 30 species of jellyfish have been recorded from New Zealand but only a few of these are commonly encountered.
Sea slugs – all colours of the rainbow
The term sea slugs is used for distantly related animals that have independently evolved similar body shapes. There are around 130 species of sea slug in Aotearoa New Zealand. Many are so bright and colourful that they look straight out of a cartoon.
There is something fishy around Wellington…
Over 180 species of fish have been recorded in the marine reserve, with many becoming more common since the reserve was created. Eagle rays are commonly spotted around the Wellington waterfront and Whairepo Lagoon was named after the Māori name for this species.
Sea anemones – delicate ‘flowers’* of the sea
*Sea anemones are not flowers at all but predatory animals. They catch their prey (mostly plankton and small fish) with stinging cells, then use their tentacles to transfer their meal to their mouth.
Octopus and squid – In an octopus’s garden
Octopus and squid are molluscs, like the snails and slugs in your backyard. Over 40 species of octopus and more than 80 species of squid have been found in New Zealand waters. Perhaps the most famous is the colossal squid here at Te Papa, the only one on display in the world.
When you wish upon a star (fish)…
Starfish or sea stars are found from the intertidal zone to thousands of metres beneath the ocean surface. Perhaps their most extraordinary claim to fame is their ability to regrow lost arms, or some cases they can grow an entire body from a severed arm! Despite their common name, they aren’t fish at all but are related to sea urchins, such as kina, and sea cucumbers.
Want to learn more?
Try rockpooling on a calm day (low tide is best). There are many suitable rockpooling locations around the Wellington coastline, with the marine reserve and Moa Point popular spots. Come and join a range of experts, including from Te Papa, for a rockpooling trip as part of this year’s City Nature Challenge.
If you don’t mind getting wet then check out the snorkel trail at Island Bay or join one of Mountain to Sea’s snorkel events. A wetsuit is recommended!
Scientists at NIWA have produced great free guides to New Zealand’s marine life if you want to identify your rockpooling or snorkeling finds. Alternatively, load photos to iNaturalist for identification by experts (your photos don’t have to be as impressive as the photos here) and your finds will be accessible to scientists.
Prefer to keep your feet on dry ground? The Island Bay Marine Centre is open every Sunday. With a number of tanks and a large touch pool full of local critters, there is something for everyone.
Prefer not to leave your computer or smartphone? Join the Beneath the Waves – Wellington Facebook group for more spectacular undersea photos or watch the videos available from the Friends of Taputaranga Marine Reserve.
Acknowledgement
Thank you to Wellington’s amazing photographers for sharing their stunning photos on the iNaturalist platform.