Photo: Coastline Curio Bay Fossil Forest New Zealand

Waves thunder against the rock cliffs that make up the coastline near the Fossil Forest at Curio Bay on the South Island of New Zealand.

As this wave breaks along the coastline near the Fossil Forest at Curio Bay, New Zealand the spray reaches unbelievable heights on the rock cliffs. It appears as a big puff of fluffy white clouds but in reality you would not walk away from this wash without getting very wet.The power of the ocean works in many mysterious ways and when the waves crash against the coastline at Curio Bay, you soon realize who has more power - the ocean or humans. Of course one knows that a human is no match for a angry ocean and even a spray such as this one can be extremely dangerous if standing nearby.This coastline is home to many species of wildlife such as the Hector Dolphin, the Yellow Eyed Penguin, fur seals and sea lions. The dolphins love to come into Curio Bay to feed in the shallower waters, the penguins nest along the coastline and the seals find the rocks very comfortable for some afternoon lounging. ... continue below the picture...

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

... A short distance along the coastline, you will find Fossil Forest which is an intriguing place to visit. Located on a tidal platform you will find pieces of trees, leaves and forest remnants that could have been here over 160 millions years. These plant beds along the coastline of Curio Bay, New Zealand are fascinating and they have aided in many discoveries about the present and past and the types of natural life that once resided here.Coastline near the Fossil Forest at Curio Bay, Southern Scenic Route, Catllins, Otago, East Coast, South Island, New Zealand.