Stunning New Zealand beach saved after crowdfunding campaign

A pristine beach has been saved for future generations to enjoy after almost 40,000 New Zealanders banded together, raising millions in a crowdfunding campaign to prevent it from falling into private hands.

On Wednesday morning local time, the campaign organisers announced on Facebook they had been successful, raising more than NZ$2 million (US$1.3 million) to buy the beach and donate it to the adjacent Abel Tasman National Park.

"We are pleased to announce that at 10:57pm last night a pristine piece of beach and bush was delivered into the hands of everyone to enjoy forever," they wrote. "Congratulations everyone! We did it!!"

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The 800 metre (2,625 feet) beach, located on the country's South Island, was available for purchase as part of a 7 hectare (17 acre) parcel of land. According to the real estate listing, the isolated area is only accessible by boat or chartered flight.

The movement began on Jan. 22 when brothers-in-law Duane Major and Adam Gard'ner, fearing a new owner could cut the public off from accessing the beach, set up a Givealittle page to make sure the beach remained open to all.

"We started to dream what if we could start a givelalittle campaign to purchase [it] for everyone to enjoy forever," they wrote on the crowdfunding page.

The New Zealand government even donated a "modest" amount to get the campaign over the line.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Major said Wednesday he was overcome at the significance of their success. "This is not an us thing, it's a we thing. The people of New Zealand have pulled something very special off," he said on Newstalk ZB radio. 

"Let's not forget the values we've unearthed here. The love for our land ... and how we want that for the future and our children."

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