Led by coastal geomorphologist Dr Sarah McSweeney from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury's (UC) School of Earth and Environment, the open-access network provides live and historic data - updated every 30 to 60 minutes - at the South Island Waves website.
The ocean wave buoy network spans nearly the entire South Island coastline, deploying 11 collaborative buoys to monitor wave and wind conditions and sea surface temperature. Some are buoys managed primarily by UC, and others by councils, but all contribute data to the website with seven currently transmitting data.
The project began in Canterbury in 2023 and has since expanded through partnerships with councils, ports and research organisations. The project is being looked to as a model for New Zealand.
"This is the first time we've had this level of coordinated, open-access wave monitoring across the South Island," says Dr McSweeney.
"It fills a major data gap and shows what's possible when universities, councils and communities work together."
The buoys provide near real-time storm data that councils use to monitor hazardous conditions and identify storm thresholds.
Over time, the growing historic dataset will strengthen coastal hazard planning and climate adaptation strategies.
"Waves drive coastal erosion and sediment transport," says Dr McSweeney. "By linking storm events directly to shoreline change, we can improve how we manage and protect our coastlines."
The network also provides practical, everyday value.
Boaties, fishers, surfers and divers can check near real-time local conditions before heading offshore. Surf Life Saving clubs in Christchurch monitor the Pegasus Bay buoy to assess wave conditions and sea temperatures. Primeport Timaru use a buoy moored near the port to help understand and predict coastal hazards to help with boat safety.
Because wave conditions vary significantly along the coastline, the distributed network provides more accurate local information than relying on a single monitoring site.
For scientists, the network delivers high-temporal resolution baseline data to quantify the South Island's wave climate.
Christchurch City Council (CCC) and Environment Canterbury (ECan) use the information to guide pre- and post-storm beach surveys, help predict coastal erosion events, and better understand impacts at the shoreline under different wave conditions.
Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly NIWA) use the data to calibrate and improve wave models and storm forecasts. Within UC, researchers are applying the information to studies of rivermouth dynamics, storm-driven coastal change, ocean-atmosphere interactions and sediment budgets.
UC postgraduate students have also been closely involved in deploying and maintaining the buoys, gaining hands-on marine field experience.
Maintaining the network is a collaborative effort. Surface lines are cleaned every three to four months to remove biofouling, and full moorings require maintenance approximately every one to two years.
"We're building a long-term national resource," says Dr McSweeney.
"The goal is better understanding of wave processes around New Zealand, stronger science and safer, better-informed coastal communities."
