Activities in Te Matuku Marine Reserve
Kayaking at Te Matuku Bay
People are welcome to visit the Te Matuku Marine Reserve to picnic, swim, snorkel, dive, take photos, kayak and watch birds. Water within the tidal bay is often murky and not great for underwater viewing.
Te Matuku Bay is home to a variety of bird life, some of which is very sensitive to disturbance. The endangered New Zealand dotterel breeds on the shell spits. Breeding pairs are easily disturbed and may abandon their nests and young if people approach.
Dogs are not allowed on the shell spits as they put ground-nesting birds, like the dotterel, at risk.
Boating
Boats are allowed within the marine reserve but care should be taken to avoid damaging marine life by dragging anchors.
Passage Rock is an important navigation aid and boats commonly pass between it and Te Matuku Bay through the marine reserve. Navigation within the reserve is not restricted.