Natural values
Waikaraka
Entrance to Whangarei harbour
The 227.5 ha marine area at Waikaraka is almost entirely mangrove forest with associated intertidal mud flats and a subtidal channel edge. Being one of nature's most highly productive zones, the gentle flowing waters and mud surrounding mangrove roots are home and nursery to many organisms - fish and shellfish as well as crabs, worms and shrimps.
Fish like snapper, trevally, kahawai, kingfish and mackerel spend important parts of their lives among mangroves, thereby contributing to the replenishment of fish numbers in the harbour. The mangroves also provide habitat for a wide variety of birdlife.
Motukaroro
One of the special features of this 26.2 ha reserve is the abundance and diversity of the marine life existing in the waters around Motukaroro Island. The combination of deeper water and swift current flows has produced a diverse reef-fish assemblage quite unique in a harbour environment.
The surrounding seabed is rocky with large areas of kelp providing a haven and feeding ground for an unusually high variety of fish.
On the westward point there is a large fragile environment of filter feeders, including anemones and sponges, whose brilliant array of colours are stunning and provide a spectacular dive.
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