Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
Introduction
There are many marine reserves you can visit in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park/Ko te Pataka kai o Tikapa Moana Te Moananui a Toi.Marine reserves are our national parks of the sea. You can visit by boat and go diving, swimming, and snorkelling. You must not take marine life or harm the natural habitats.
Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island)
Cape Rodney-Okakari Point lies north of Auckland. The marine reserve offers some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities close to Auckland. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, kayaking and walking on the beach.
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.
Mōtū Manawa-Pollen Island Marine Reserve
The Mōtū Manawa-Pollen Island Marine Reserve protects 500 hectares of the inner reaches of Auckland's Waitemata Harbour.
Tāwharanui Marine Reserve
Tāwharanui Marine Reserve is good for families, with pōhutukawa lined beaches, good swimming and rockpooling.
Te Matuku Marine Reserve
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.
Te Whanganui-o-Hei/Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve
The reserve protects a wide range of habitats from sandy flats to rocky reefs, offering great snorkelling and diving. Visitors to the reserve can also enjoy swimming, kayaking and viewing the interesting coastal geology.