Hauraki Gulf Marine Park

Auckland region

The Needles at sunrise, the northernmost tip of Great Barrier Island. Photo copyright: Kim Westerskov (DOC USE ONLY).

The Needles at sunrise, the northernmost tip of Great Barrier Island

Auckland region.

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park sits on the doorstep of New Zealand's largest city, Auckland. There are more than 50 islands within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, many of which are public conservation lands managed by the Department of Conservation.

Most islands are open to the public for recreation and relaxation. Some are sanctuaries for endangered species and to land you must have a permit. Five marine reserves are also included within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. DOC needs your help to look after these special islands and marine reserves.

Location

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park covers an area of more than 1.2 million hectares on the east coast of the Auckland and Waikato regions, and includes the Waitemata Harbour, Firth of Thames and eastern coastline of the Coromandel Peninsula.

Highlights:

Find out more

Publications

A quick guide to the Hauraki Gulf - pest-free islands, native birds, marine mammals (PDF, 1000K)

Islands of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park booklet

Weather

NZ weather

Maps

Hauraki Gulf map (JPG, 96K)

Learn more

New Zealand's Marine Reserves A-Z

Keeping Hauraki Gulf islands free of pests

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Contacts

Auckland Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 9 379 6476
Address: 137 Quay Street
Princes Wharf
Downtown
Auckland 1010
Email: aucklandvc@doc.govt.nz
Full office details

To report pest alerts, fishing offences in marine reserves, whale or dolphin strandings or injuries, or any other threat, call the 24-hour DOC HOT line:

0800 DOCHOT or 0800 362 468

Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai