Snakestar on Black coral, Fiordland Marine Area. Photo copyright: Steve Wing (DOC USE ONLY).

Snakestar on Black coral, Fiordland Marine Area

Southland region

Southland region.

Fiordland’s ten marine reserves range in size from 93 to 3,672  hectares, and in total include over 10,000 hectares of inner fiord marine habitat. The reserves border the Fiordland National Park and are a fantastic example of natural environments protected from the peaks of mountains to great depths of the fiords.

The marine reserves include a huge variety of habitats and species like sponges, lampshells, and a wide range of fish. They also contain some of the world's biggest populations of black coral trees that can be over 300 years old and are home to brittlestars that can only live entwined in the branches of these underwater trees.

Location

Fiordland's marine reserves are found from Milford Sound in the north to Preservation Inlet on the southwest of the South Island.
 
 
Information

Desination Fiordland www.fiordland.org.nz

Fiordland Marine Conservation Strategy www.mfe.govt.nz

Ministry of Fisheries www.fish.govt.nz

Biosecurity NZ www.biosecurity.govt.nz

Safety

Safety information

Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.

Contact
Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre
Phone:      +64 3 249 7924
Address:   Fiordland National Park
Visitor Centre
Lakefront Drive
Te Anau 9600
Email:   fiordlandvc@doc.govt.nz
Full office details