Facts
Marine biologist Chris Battershill, a renowned expert on marine sponges, rates Pariokariwa Reef in the reserve area, as one of the top sponge spots in the world. Many of these fantastic "undersea gardens" remain unexplored and may yield further scientific discoveries.
Finger sponge and polymastia pepo
Parininihi is home to a variety of fish species such as blue cod, blue moki, red moki, gurnard, john dory, kahawai, red cod, terakihi, trevally and snapper. It has also been reported to have a large rock lobster population.
Parininihi has also remained relatively undamaged by sedimentation, so protecting the area as a reserve presents an opportunity to preserve that status for future generations.
The reserve can be accessed by boat from the Tongapurutu River, Urenui River, Waitara River (bar crossings), or by traveling one hour north from New Plymouth boat ramp.
Encrusting sponges
You should always check with Coastguard for weather and sea conditions. Coastguard operates on VHF Ch61.
There are no charter boats servicing this area.