Parininihi Marine Reserve

Located in the Taranaki region

This 1,800 ha marine reserve encloses a typical slice of the north Taranaki coastline, as well as the possibly unique sponge gardens of Pariokariwa reef. The diversity of species encrusting the reef is amongst the highest recorded anywhere in New Zealand and ranks highly internationally.

For tide, boundaries and other information you can download the MarineMate app.

View map and boundaries of Parininihi Marine Reserve.

The reserve can be accessed by boat from the Tongapurutu River, Urenui River, Waitara River (bar crossings), or by travelling one hour north from the New Plymouth boat ramp. There are no charter boats servicing this area.

Road access to the area is via Pukearuhe Road, north of Urenui.

It's illegal to take anything from a marine reserve, including fish, shellfish, lobster, rocks, shells, driftwood or any other natural feature, plant or animal.

You should always check with Coastguard for weather and sea conditions. Coastguard operates on VHF Ch61.

The main underwater feature of Parininihi Marine Reserve is Pariokariwa Reef. This extends north from Pariokariwa Point towards the reserve’s seaward boundary, and is surrounded by fine sediment and mud. 

Most of the reef lies in the south west of the reserve at between 5 to 23 m depth. Submerged parts of the reef rise up to 9 m from the seafloor, and form a network of small caves, over-hangs, canyons and pinnacles. These are encrusted with large bryozoan (Celleporaria agglutinans) colonies, and a diverse, colourful assemblage of sponges, as well as hydroids, anemones and soft corals. 

At high tide the sea reaches the base of the spectacular, 245 m high cliffs (Whitecliffs /Parininihi) that stretch between Pariokariwa Point and Katikatiaka Pa. These cliffs form short headlands and small bays, with black sand beaches dotted with boulders at their base. Small reefs surrounded by gravel occur offshore. Sand flats are the dominant habitat type between depths of 20 to 30 m.

it is home to a variety of fish species, large rock lobster populations and a colourful tangle of rare and exotic sponges that spread across the reefs of the area.

In pre-European times this area was known to Ngati Tama as a rich fishing ground, and several areas were excluded from the marine reserve to allow for customary as well as recreational fishing.