The Hauraki Gulf is the marine gateway to Auckland. The Auckland area features many scenic island reserves open to visitors including Rangitoto, Motuihe, Motutapu and many more.
Visit the DOC Auckland Visitor Centre at Princes Wharf, downtown Auckland to find out about conservation areas around Auckland and throughout NZ.Location: The Visitor Centre is located at Auckland Tourism's i-SITE situated at 137 Quay Street, Princes Wharf, Downtown Auckland city. Come inside and see our friendly staff at the 'DOC desk'.
The Auckland volcanic reserve Browns Island (Motukorea) is home to Maori and Eurpoean historic sites and artefacts. Location: Motukorea lies a short distance offshore from Auckland's eastern suburbs.
Fort Takapuna, used by the New Zealand Defence Forces for over a century, offers a glimpse of New Zealand's 19th and 20th Century military history. Location: Fort Takapuna is located next to Narrow Neck beach on Auckland's North Shore.
The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is home to a myriad of islands and five marine reserves, most of which can be visited for recreation and relaxation.Location: The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park covers an area of more than 1.2 million hectares on the east coast of the Auckland and Waikato regions, and includes the Waitemata Harbour, Firth of Thames and eastern coastline of the Coromandel Peninsula.
Just 20 km north of Auckland lies the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve. The reserve protects a variety of coastal habitats: sandy beaches, rocky reefs, estuarine mudflats and mangroves. Location: The reserve is about 20 km north of the centre of Auckland.
Motuihe Island in the Hauraki Gulf offers history, nature and recreation. It is a popular Auckland destination for camping, exploring and relaxing on the beach as well as being the site of an exciting community-led ecological restoration programme.Location: Access is by private boat - there are several safe anchorages, including Wharf Bay, Ocean Beach and Calypso Bay.
Motutapu Island Reserve is popular for its historic and recreational value. You can come camping and exploring on this Auckland island.Location: Neighbours Rangitoto Island in the Hauraki Gulf.
Visit North Head Historic Reserve where a self-guided walk leads you through tunnels and other features of the area's past military defences.Location: North Head is located at the mouth of Auckland's Waitemata Harbour.
Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve is the youngest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field. It is home to our largest pohutukawa forest, and some unique plantlife. Alert: Rangitoto Island is open to the publicLocation: Rangitoto Island is in the Hauraki Gulf.
The 690-hectare Te Matuku Marine Reserve protects one of Waiheke Island's largest and least disturbed estuaries, along with an area outside Te Matuku Bay in the Waiheke Channel. Location: The reserve is located at the far south-east corner of Waiheke Island and can be accessed by land and sea.
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