Activities in Tonga Island Marine Reserve

Activites in the area

What to see and do

Most popular activities along the coastline are enhanced or unaffected by the marine reserve. Because fishing is not allowed, fish life in the reserve may increase, possibly improving fishing outside its boundaries.

In the water

The best way to get close to the reserve and its inhabitants is to get into the water. From land the best snorkelling is among the rocks between Tonga Quarry and Foul Point scuba diving is most rewarding on reef systems in the north of the reserve, at about 15 metres depth.

The underwater environment is notable for its sparse cover of seaweeds, which are usually confined to a narrow band along the low watermark. Compensations for this are the attractive film of pink algae that coats much of the rock, and the ease of seeing the abundant grazing animals like kina and turban shells.

Although at first glance the reefs may also appear barren of animal life, take a closer look and you might be surprised. Caves and crevices may conceal a crayfish passing the day in secret or a conger eel lurking in the dim light. A torch will illuminate a colourful array of animals encrusting the rock surfaces. Look out for the more common inshore fish - wrass, blue cod, snapper, tarakihi and moki.

On the water

Boat passengers and sea-kayakers gain a perspective on the reserve not available to foot travellers. Mosquito Bay and Shag Harbour are particularly intimate coves that the track does not reach.

Sea Kayaking at Tonga Marine Reserve,
Abel Tasman National Park

Wildlife is best viewed from the water too. Dolphins are frequent visitors, carving through the waters in front of you or riding easily in your wake. Seals are common around Tonga Island, especially during winter when they travel north on their annual migration.

Much of the coast is breeding grounds for little blue penguins, best seen at sea during the day when they are feeding. Many other birds are seen too: shags, gannets, gulls and perhaps a reef heron of fluttering shearwater - all dependent on the sea for food.

On foot

The small estuary behind Onetahuti beach is a good place to see wading birds such as herons and oyster catchers, stalking fish or digging for shellfish.

Wade into the water to see crabs scuttling across the sandy bottom and, in season, whitebait heading upstream to spawn in the extensive wetland behind.

At the southern end of the beach, the track climbs around a small headland to Tonga Quarry, where granite was quarried early this century. 

Continue down the coast to the beautiful arches at Arch Point. There is a good variety of seaweeds here, visible at low water. There are also rock pools to investigate near Arch Point.

If you see people taking fish within the marine reserve, please report the activity to the Department of Conservation as soon as possible.

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