Parininihi Marine Reserve

Parininihi Marine Reserve has now joined the network of marine reserves to protect a portion of our unique subsea environments for future New Zealanders.  Located in the southern most reaches of the Taranaki Bight, it protects an isolated offshore reef in the shadow of the towering White Cliffs (Parininihi).  Within the reserve boundaries, all marine life, habitat, objects and structures are protected.

Marine scientists consider the 1800ha Parininihi Marine Reserve area to be a “classic” section of the wild Taranaki coastline.  It is home to a variety of fish species and large lobster populations - but what makes the area particularly special is its collection of rare and exotic sponges which spread in a vividly coloured carpet across the ocean floor.  It is a “high energy” part of the coastline in which sand is constantly on the move and the environment is always changing.