One and a half hour's drive north of Auckland, the Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve is suitable for day trips.
A glass bottom boat operates from the main beach of the marine reserve and is suitable for students. Camping grounds at Goat Island, Pakiri and Whangateau can cater for school groups overnight, as can the Te Kiri Marae.
Facilities in the car park area include visitor information displays, toilets, an outdoor cold shower and changing rooms, but drinking water is not available. In the Leigh township, there is a general store, petrol station, cafes and takeaway food outlets.
Established in 1975, it is New Zealand's first marine reserve, and protects 547 hectares of shore and sea just north of Leigh. Safe from fishing and other disturbance, marine life flourishes in the reserve and its waters now teem with blue maomao, snapper and other species.