Activities in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park

Islands and marine reserves

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is an unspoiled playground for yachting, power-boating, and kayaking. Picnicking, camping and walking can be enjoyed on many of the islands and along the coastline.

Find out about the individual islands and marine reserves in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

Browns Island (Motukorea)

The Auckland volcanic reserve Browns Island (Motukorea) is home to Maori and Eurpoean historic sites and artefacts.

Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve

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.

Motuihe Recreation Reserve

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.

Motutapu Island Recreation Reserve

Motutapu Island Reserve is popular for its historic and recreational value. You can come camping and exploring on this Auckland island.

Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve

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.

Te Matuku Marine Reserve

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. 

Great Barrier Island Aotea

Great Barrier Island is the largest island off New Zealand's North Island and lies 100 kilometres north-east of Auckland. More than 60 per cent of the island is managed by DOC.

Mokohinau Islands Scenic & Nature Reserves

The Mokohinau Islands lie 100 km north-east of Auckland. The islands are home to skink and muttonbird populations. Recreational activities include walking and diving.

Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve

New Zealand's first marine reserve, Cape Rodney-Okakari Point was established in 1975. It is also known as Goat Island or Leigh marine reserve.

Little Barrier Island (Hauturu) Nature Reserve

Little Barrier Island is one of New Zealand's predator-free nature reserves, and home to a multitude of endangered species. You must first obtain a permit to visit.

Motuora Recreation Reserve

Come to Moturoa Island for a picnic, or you can camp for the night at this predator-free Auckland reserve. Young kiwi are raised here until they can defend themselves.

Tiritiri Matangi Scientific Reserve (Open Sanctuary)

You can be one of the lucky few to visit Tiritiri Matangi each day. This scientific reserve near Auckland is home to many native species due to being predator-free.

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