Canterbury is the largest region in the country, covering approximately 4.2 million hectares, and around 800 kilometres of coastline.

The Canterbury community values and cares for the region's biodiversity and accepts the shared responsibility to work together to ensure it is sustained and enhanced, both now and into the future.

As a result, there is s full range of healtly ecosystems stretching from the mountains to the sea, reflecting the unique and diverse natural character of the Cantebury region. Our indigenous biodiversity is an integral part of our everyday lives and landscapes, it complements the productivity of our sustainable economy and working lands, and where appropriate, it supports harvest.

Find out about our ecosystems, plants and animals.