Image: DOC
Urchin and anemones.
Te Paepae o Aotea (Volkner Rocks) Marine Reserve

Located in the Bay of Plenty region

Te Paepae o Aotea (Volkner Rocks) is a diverse and thriving ecosystem that you have to see to believe. A diver’s paradise that gives access to some of Aotearoa’s most prized marine life.

The marine reserve was established in 2006 and is 1,267 hectares.

The Te Paepae o Aotea (Volkner Rocks) Marine Reserve is 55 km north/north east of Whakatane and 5 km north west of Whakaari (White Island).  
 
The reserve is only accessible by boat. There are charter boat services in eastern Bay of Plenty. 

Fishing is not permitted within the marine reserve. If you want help knowing where the boundaries are visit the maps and boundaries page.

Former bombing range

Be aware, Te Paepae o Aotea (Volkner Rocks) were formerly used as a bombing range by the New Zealand Air Force. Most of the ordinance has been removed but some may remain. If you notice anything resembling a bomb or missile in the marine reserve you should not touch it, note its location and inform local DOC staff immediately.

Te Paepae o Aotea (Volkner Rocks) are three volcanic rock stacks attached to White Island.

The rocks rise from a depth of 200 to 400 m. These near-vertical rock faces are covered in colourful encrusting organisms, including some recorded only at Volkner Rocks. They lie in the path of the warm east Auckland current, that sweeps subtropical water down the northeast coast of the North Island. This current brings many spectacular marine visitors to mingle with the locals.

During the summer months, larger shark species can be found in the reserve. Long-tailed stingrays cruise in the middle depths. At times the surface of the water at the base of the rocks turns bright blue and pink as large schools of blue and pink maomao come to the surface to feed.

Report illegal or suspicious activity

Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve - it's illegal. If you see people taking anything from the reserve, report the activity as soon as possible.

You can call 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224) or 0800 DOCHOT (0800 362 468).

It is also an offence to pollute or litter the reserve, discharge any firearm in or into the reserve or erect any structure in the reserve.

Reporting pests

Find-A-Pest lets you report potential pest species, including marine, plant, animal and fungal species.

If you come across something out of the ordinary, upload a picture to the app and a specialist will help identify it. If it's a biosecurity threat, this will be forwarded to Biosecurity New Zealand. If possible, take photos and record the location and name of the vessel.

Or call the Ministry for Primary Industries' Pest and Diseases hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

The volcanic rock stacks are of cultural significance to Ngāti Awa and other iwi of the Mataatua waka. Traditionally they are the departure place for the spirits of people of Mataatua descent.

Early Polynesian navigators used the rocks as a guide.