Does anyone local know where I can find info on the local beaches? I remember seeing it now and again in the local papers, but now that I'm actively looking for it, I can't find it. I've found Kaikoura, Lyttleton and New Brighton online, but none of the beaches in between.
Valmai, I haven't had a lot of luck on the local beaches (I've looked between Gore Bay and Browns beach near Winchester). I don't think there are many kelp beds off this section of coast. Clowder says there are heaps on the beaches up there (Kaikoura) after the tide's gone out. Pine Beach (near Woodend) has had some bull kelp after some big storms, but not a lot.
We went to South Shore recently and there was so much - we didn't want to go into the water - it was everywhere.
Please don't forget to wash it before putting it around tress or onto the veggie garden. Over time, the salt may accumulate (depending on your soil type).
Thanks for that, Simkin! We used to go to that beach a lot when we lived in town, but hardly ever saw seaweed there. Wonder if the seaweed beds sort of migrate with the ocean currents?
I find it's hit or miss finding seaweed on the long sandy beaches around here. I get mine from Purau Bay (past Diamond Harbour), there is always some kelp around the boat ramp (wear water shoes, it's everso slippery) and on the rocks around the boat ramp. I figure that I'm actually helping by removing the kelp, as it can get caught in props. We take a picnic and some fishing gear, and make a day of it. There's interesting stuff on the beach there for kids to discover too, crabs and neat shells and stuff.
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