Discovering the marine park
The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is our national park of the sea, encompassing an area of 1.2 million hectares of coast, sea and islands.
The marine park is home to an amazing variety of wildlife right on the doorstep of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, providing great opportunities for people to connect with nature.
Pest free island provide sanctuaries for our rarest native plants and animals. Five marine reserves thrive with marine life, and internationally important seabird populations depend on the rich waters of the Hauraki Gulf for food.
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park logo
What can I do in the marine park?
There are many ways to connect with the marine park. You can visit unique places, experience special values, learn about the rich natural and cultural heritage, or get involved in helping care for 'Our Treasured Living Space.
Here are just some ideas of what you can do. We hope you enjoy discovering the marine park.
Children getting to know a takahe on Tiritiri Matangi Island
- Meet a takahe on Tiritiri Matangi Island, home to many of our rarest living treasures.
- Spot a kiwi on Motuihe Island, breathing life into the marine park.
- Climb a volcano on Rangitoto Island, our essential touchstone with nature.
- Take a tunnel tour on North Head (Maungauika), where we live, work and play.
- Get involved on Motutapu Island, a vibrant living space.
- Take a kauri and coast walk on the Coromandel Peninsula, and find inspiration, freedom and rejuvenation.
- Live the history on Kawau Island, linking people and places.
- Dive into the Goat Island Marine Reserve, and connect with our life support system.
- Go wild on Great Barrier Island (Aotea), and enjoy the rich natural and cultural heritage.
- Check out the spectacular shorebirds at Miranda, our storehouse of food and knowlege.