Huttons shearwaters around a boat.

Hikurangi Marine Reserve

Located in the Marlborough region

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Introduction

The reserve sits near the township of Kaikoura, at the point where the undersea Kaikoura canyon approaches close to the land. Visiting the reserve is an unparalleled opportunity to see whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds, and often in large numbers.

The marine reserve was established in 2014 as a part of the Kaikoura marine management act. Its 10,395 hectares protects the Kaikoura Canyon.

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.