Reflecting the variability of New Zealand’s coastal environments, six different shoreline proxies were used to map the position of the coast. The edge of vegetation
was chosen as the shoreline proxy for the majority of New Zealand’s coastline and was mapped for all sandy beaches, while the gravel ridge (storm ridge) was used to represent the shoreline for gravel beaches. Either the cliff top edge or cliff toe (base of the cliff) was mapped for cliffed coasts and the water line was used on scarce occasions when no other proxy was applicable. Where coasts are defended by sea walls or rock revetments, this human-built feature was mapped.