Activities in Cape Rodney to Okakari Point Marine Reserve
Tracks and walks
Activities at the marine reserve
Weather permitting, a glass bottomed boat operates from the beach and snorkel gear is available for hire near the beach or from the Leigh township. For details see www.leighbythesea.co.nz.
Under the water
Snorkeller and blue maomao at the
Cape Rodney to Okakari Point Marine
Reserve
The best way to experience the reserve and its inhabitants is to get into the water with them. Those with a mask and snorkel can explore the rocks close to shore while divers can visit deeper areas further out.
Cape Rodney-Okakari Marine Reserve offers some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities close to Auckland.
On the shore
In most shallow areas of the reserve, particularly the rocky platform near the main beach, you will see many varieties of fish, invertebrate life and seaweeds. Please do not feed the fish as this changes their behaviour and makes them aggressive and hard to study.
Students examine life on the rocky shore
at Cape Rodney to Okakari Point Marine
Reserve
At low tide you can explore the rocky shore. If you turn over boulders to look underneath or pick up animals, make sure you place them back carefully afterwards otherwise the creatures may die.
Boating
The nearest boat launching ramp to the marine reserve is in Leigh Cove, just below the township of Leigh. Boaties are welcome to navigate and anchor carefully in the reserve. Extra caution may be needed in some areas because of the number of divers and swimmers. Do not exceed five knots within 200 metres of the shore or a dive flag, or within 30 metres of any other boat or person in the water.
Boats can enter the marine reserve after fishing outside its boundaries, but it is recommended that fishing rods are stowed out of sight while visiting the marine reserve. Remember, do not feed the fish or discharge anything into the water.
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