Rhodolith beds in New Zealand harboured high diversity of associated macroalgae and invertebrates, undescribed taxa as well new records and range extensions of known species. Subtidal beds were investigated, examining structure and physical characteristics at two locations in the Bay of Islands, and characterising two species, Lithothamnion crispatum and Sporolithon durum. Responses of these rhodolith species to environmental stressors were also investigated both in the field and in culture.