In the water

The best way to experience the reserve and its inhabitants is to jump right in!

Swimming, snorkelling and diving

Diver and moray eel

Tāwharanui's clear waters are great for swimming. Those with a mask and snorkel can explore the rocks close to shore while divers can visit deeper areas further out.

View a map of the marine habitat (PDF, 1,310 K)

Surfing

Tāwharanui is a popular spot for surfing if there's a swell on the east coast.

On the shore

At low tide you can explore the rocky shore. If you turn over boulders to look underneath or pick up animals, make sure you place them back carefully afterwards otherwise the creatures may die.

Walks

Next to the marine reserve, Tawharanui Regional Park offers excellent day walks ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours through native bush, along the coast or across farmland.  

Boating

The nearest boat launching ramp to the marine reserve is at Omaha. Boaties are welcome to navigate and anchor carefully in the reserve. Extra caution may be needed in some areas because of the number of divers and swimmers. Do not exceed five knots within 200 metres of the shore or a dive flag, or within 30 metres of any other boat or person in the water.

Boats can enter the marine reserve after fishing outside its boundaries, but it is recommended that fishing rods are stowed out of sight while visiting the marine reserve. Remember, do not feed the fish or discharge anything into the water.