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Hauraki Gulf Marine Park

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Activities

Activities in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park

Islands and marine reserves

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is an unspoiled playground for yachting, power-boating, and kayaking. Picnicking, camping and walking can be enjoyed on many of the islands and along the coastline.

Find out about the individual islands and marine reserves in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

Browns Island (Motukorea) Recreation Reserve

The Auckland volcanic reserve Browns Island (Motukorea) is home to Maori and Eurpoean historic sites and artefacts.

Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve

Just 20 km north of Auckland lies the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve. The reserve protects a variety of coastal habitats: sandy beaches, rocky reefs, estuarine mudflats and mangroves.

Motuihe Recreation Reserve

Motuihe Island in the Hauraki Gulf offers history, nature and recreation. It is a popular Auckland destination for camping, exploring and relaxing on the beach as well as being the site of an exciting community-led ecological restoration programme.

Motutapu Island Recreation Reserve

Motutapu Island Reserve is popular for its historic and recreational value. You can come camping and exploring on this Auckland island.

Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve

Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve is the youngest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field. It is home to our largest pohutukawa forest, and some unique plantlife.

Te Matuku Marine Reserve

The 690-hectare Te Matuku Marine Reserve protects one of Waiheke Island's largest and least disturbed estuaries, along with an area outside Te Matuku Bay in the Waiheke Channel.

Great Barrier Island Aotea

Great Barrier Island is the largest island off New Zealand's North Island and lies 100 kilometres north-east of Auckland. More than 60 per cent of the island is managed by DOC.

Mokohinau Islands Scenic & Nature Reserves

The Mokohinau Islands lie 100 km north-east of Auckland. The islands are home to skink and muttonbird populations. Recreational activities include walking and diving.

Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island)

New Zealand's first marine reserve, Cape Rodney-Okakari Point was established in 1975. It is also known as Goat Island or Leigh marine reserve.

Little Barrier Island Nature Reserve (Hauturu-o-Toi)

Little Barrier Island (Hauturu-o-Toi) is one of New Zealand's predator-free nature reserves, and home to a multitude of endangered species. You must first obtain a permit to visit.

Motuora Recreation Reserve

Come to Moturoa Island for a picnic, or camp for the night at this predator-free Auckland reserve. It's possible to hear and sometimes see (at night) North Island brown kiwi on the island.

Tiritiri Matangi Scientific Reserve (Open Sanctuary)

You can be one of the lucky few to visit Tiritiri Matangi each day. This scientific reserve near Auckland is home to many native species due to being predator-free.

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

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:
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