Coast New Zealand

- Season 2

(2017)

From Greymouth, to Charleston, Westport and Granity to finish at Mokihinui, Neil Oliver and his team take us on a journey of fascination. Neil abseils down a giddy cliff near Charleston, Dr Hamish Campbell takes us to visit a coal mine high in the mountains, and Matt Carter takes on wild waters at Westport. Riria Hotere beach-combs for greenstone near Greymouth and Hamish visits Granity, a town in a constant battle with the sea. The trip finishes with Jacky Geurts visiting Mokihinui during the whitebait season.

Neil Oliver's journey round the Coromandel Peninsula takes in Te Puru, to Long Bay, across to Great Mercury Island, through Pauanui to Whangamata. Neil has his world turned upside down in Pauanui, while marine biologist Jacky Guerts delves into Whangamata's mangrove wars. Hamish Campbell is on the hunt for evidence of when the first Polynesians came to New Zealand, and Matt Carter goes to view a giant Kauri tree.

The smallest of the three main islands of New Zealand, Stewart Island is 85% National Park and home to 400 human inhabitants and 15,000 kiwis along with other endangered species. The team visit Doughboy Bay, Whenua Hou, Halfmoon Bay, Ulva Island and Price's Inlet. Riria Hotere visits Whenua Hou, the home of the endangered Kakapo, the world's largest parrot. Jacky Geurts finds an underwater wonderland, Matt Carter goes to an old whaling outpost, and Neil is looking for kiwis.

Our journey this time takes in Bay View, Napier, Cape Kidnappers, and Porangahau. Neil Oliver visits Cape Kidnappers to see the largest restoration of nature in New Zealand. Tuatara, Takahe and Giant Weta are among the creatures that Neil has a chance to see. Matt Carter visits Napier, the site of the only enemy shot fired in New Zealand in World War II, a torpedo launched from a German Submarine, while Riria Hotere goes to sea with the local fishermen. Hamish Campbell talks about the Napier earthquake and Neil goes to a polo match played on the beach.

This week Neil Oliver visits Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. He investigates the origin of the New Zealand accent and goes in search of a toxic arachnid with a tortured love life. Hamish Campbell investigates the science behind the devastation caused by the recent earthquakes. Jacky Geurts meets a family determined to save their vulnerable colony of penguins and Riria Hotere goes back to the land.

Neil Oliver's final journey on this trip around the New Zealand coast takes him to Taranaki. Starting at Tongaporutu, the team travels to Waitara, New Plymouth, Patea River Mouth, finishing at Waiinui Beach. Marine archaeologist Matt Carter investigates the fate of a ghost from the land wars, an old paddle steamer. Geologist Hamish Campbell strikes oil, while author Riria Hotere gets to see the marriage of art and engineering that is the wind wand at New Plymouth. Neil has the opportunity to cross an award winning bridge and to experience a coast like no other, 'made ...