Activities in Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve
Tracks and walks
This return walk traverses the coast part way to Cape Rodney overlooking New Zealand’s oldest and most popular marine reserve.
Other activities
Under the water
Octopus, Cape Rodney-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 from the main beach, you will see many varieties of fish and shellfish. People should not feed the fish as this changes their behaviour and makes them difficult to study. 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.
During popular times, snorkel hire and a glass-bottom boat operate from the reserve, weather permitting.
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