Facts
A range of habitats
Contrasting and varied environments make up the reserve. In the northwest there are the islands, remnants of an ancient volcano with caves canyons and rock faces, crevices overhangs and pinnacles. There are boulder fields and extensive areas of mud and sand.
The south-western part of the reserve is less sheltered and is a classic example of the wild Taranaki Coast. About one third of the reserve is rocky reef, a cobble and boulder platform mostly, offering a wide range of habitats.
The life below
Jewel anamone
Sponges, sea squirts and encrusting coralline algae dominate the seascape below 10 metres. Scattered rock reefs are covered with macroalgae, bryozoans, kina, sea cucumbers, molluscs and starfish.
Triplefins live there and other reef fish like red moki, butterfly perch, scarlet wrasse, spotty and blue cod. Stingray and pelagic species like John Dory, kingfish, kahawai, gurnard, snapper, trevally and mullet are commonly seen species. The area is also home to many rock lobster.
Marine mammals
The islands and nearby coastline are important breeding and haul-out sites for New Zealand fur seals. Other marine mammals observed at times include common dolphins, pilot whales, orca, humpback whales and southern right whales.