The boundaries extend alongshore from Maunganui Bluff in Northland to Oakura Beach, Taranaki, in the south. The sanctuary’s offshore boundary extends from mean high water springs to the 12 nm territorial sea limit. The total area of the sanctuary is approximately 1,200,086 hectares covering 2,164 km of coastline.

Within the sanctuary boundaries there are restrictions on seabed mining activities and acoustic seismic survey work. The NZ Gazette notice for a marine mammal sanctuary specifies the areas in which these restrictions apply.

Find out more about fishing regulations on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.

Marine mammal protection

All marine mammals are fully protected in New Zealand waters under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978, which DOC administers.

If you see marine mammals stranded or in distress, please contact your nearest DOC office immediately.

Related links

• Marine Mammals Protection (West Coast North Island Sanctuary) Notice 2008 (PDF, 321K)
• Marine mammals sanctuaries consultation and NZ Gazette notices of intention
• Map: West Coast North Island marine mammal sanctuary boundaries (JPG, 271K)