Tonga Island Marine Reserve
Located in the Nelson/Tasman region
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Introduction
Tonga Island Marine Reserve is renowned for its golden sand beaches, intimate coves, and excellent summer weather. Enjoy swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking along the coast of the Abel Tasman National Park.Tonga Island Marine Reserve was established in November 1993. It covers an area of 1835 hectares.
Image gallery
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Kayaking at Tonga Island Marine Reserve Image: Helen Kettles | DOC
![Kayakers at Tonga Island Marine Reserve.]( "Kayakers at Tonga Island Marine Reserve.")
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Fur seal at Tonga Island Marine Reserve Image: | DOC
![Fur seal on rocks.]( "Fur seal on rocks.")
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Fur seal at Tonga Island Marine Reserve Image: | DOC
![Fur seal in water.]( "Fur seal in water.")
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Hermit crab, Tonga Island Marine Reserve Image: Davidson environmental Ltd. ©
![Hermit crab, Tonga Island Marine Reserve.]( "Hermit crab, Tonga Island Marine Reserve.")
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Rhodoliths at Tonga Island Marine Reserve Image: Davidson environmental Ltd. ©
![Rhodoliths at Tonga Island Marine Reserve.]( "Rhodoliths at Tonga Island Marine Reserve.")
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Rhodoliths and clam, Tonga Island Marine Reserve Image: Davidson environmental Ltd. ©
![Rhodoliths and clam, Tonga Island Marine Reserve.]( "Rhodoliths and clam, Tonga Island Marine Reserve.")
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Urchins on granite at Tonga Island Marine Reserve Image: Davidson environmental Ltd. ©
![Urchins on granite at Tonga Island Marine Reserve.]( "Urchins on granite at Tonga Island Marine Reserve.")
Find things to do and places to stay Tonga Island Marine Reserve
This diverse ecosystem is home to variable and pied oystercatchers, pied and spotted Shags, white fronted terns, and gannets.
Keep your eyes peeled for a chance to see Grey Reef Herron on the rocky foreshore. New Zealand Fur Seals, Common, Hector’s, Bottlenose, and Dusky Dolphins, and even the occasional orca can be found travelling through the reserve.
Keep your vessel clean and pest free
To stop any further spread make sure your boat hull is clean before travelling to other parts of the Sounds and regularly maintain your antifouling system.
Ideally there should be no more than a slime layer at any time. If you think you have found something unusual in the marine environment, call the MPI Hotline 0800 809 966.
The best snorkelling is among the rocks between Tonga Quarry and Foul Point.
Diving is most rewarding on the reefs around Tonga Island or in the north of the reserve.
Stay safe in the water - Read more about Water and boating safety.
Kayaking rock-pooling and picnicking around the golden sandy coves at Tonga Island Marine Reserve is an idyllic way to spend a day. Canoeing is not recommended.
Tonga Island Marine Reserve is not accessible by vehicles.
The nearest boat ramp is at Tōtaranui, 5 km north of Awaroa Head. There are others at Tarakohe near Tākaka, and at Kaiteriteri and Marahau in the south.
Water users should be wary of unmarked reefs and tidal changes. Sea conditions are often calm in winter but stiff sea breezes occur daily in summer and there is little shelter to be found along rocky sections of the coastline during storms.
Before setting out, check the tide tables because it is only safe to cross Awaroa Inlet within one hour 30 minutes before low tide and two hours after.
From Awaroa Hut, head east to the mouth of Venture Creek and climb up to Tonga Saddle. From here there is an easy descent to Onetahuti Beach - your first contact with the marine reserve.
Tonga Island lies directly offshore from here.
If this visit is part of your Great Walks experience, see Abel Tasman Coast Track for a map.
- Before you board the boat or start the Abel Tasman Coast Track check for pests, such as mice, rats, non-native ants and weeds.
- Water users should also be wary of unmarked reefs and beaching due to tidal changes of up to 5 m.
- Remember to keep your distance from seals (at least 20 m) – they can move fast and bite. Read more at Sharing our coasts with marine mammals.
- Camping must be in a designated campsite and be booked online. Camping on the beach is not permitted. Find a campsites
Tonga Island Marine Reserve is known for its crystal-clear water and thriving marine ecosystem. New Zealand fur seals breed all along the rocky foreshores and islands of the reserve. Be aware that breeding season is from October through January – please keep your distance and give them space.
While at sea you have the chance of seeing Bottlenose, Hector’s, Common, and Dusky dolphins that frequent these waters. Keep your eyes peeled for the occasional orcas too!
The ecosystem supports thriving populations of shorebirds from oyster catchers to shags – it’s a place you have to see to believe.
Tasman Bay Guardians - From taking schools and community groups out for snorkelling days to beach clean ups and hosting marine education forums, Tasman Bay Guardians work to involve the community in conservation. Learn more on their website.
DOC works closely with partners through the Top of the South Marine Biosecurity Partnership to manage the threat of marine pests.
Protect our marine reserves
- No fishing of any kind.
- Don't take or kill marine life.
- Don't remove or disturb any marine life or materials.
- Don't feed fish - it disturbs their natural behaviour.
- Take care when anchoring to avoid damaging the sea floor.
Contacts
| Whakatū/Nelson Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 3 546 9339 |
| nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa 1/37 Halifax Street Nelson 7010 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |
