Ngā Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Protected Area
Introduction
The Ngā Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Protected Area (SLIMPA) comprises seabed, foreshore and water around Ngā Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands. It backs onto the northern boundary of the Tapuae Marine Reserve.
These islands, just offshore from New Plymouth, are eroded remnants of andesitic volcanic domes, forming a group of low sea stacks and seven islands that provide a unique semi-sheltered environment along a coastline that is generally very exposed.
Local Māori called the islands Ngā Motu -"the islands" and were actively living on them when first European settlers arrived. In 1770 James Cook named them the Sugar Loaf Islands. The guano deposits reminded him of stacks of sugar he had seen in Europe.
Features
Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Protected Area,
New Plymouth
Marine environment
The subtidal marine habitats around the Ngā Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands include: spectacular canyons, caves, rock faces with crevices and overhangs, large pinnacles, boulder fields and extensive sand flats.
There at least 89 species of fish and 33 species of encrusting sponges within the area.
The Ngā Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands are important for 19 species of seabirds, with approximately 10,000 seabirds nesting here. A breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) is there too.
Location
The islands are just offshore from New Plymouth, between the Port Taranaki breakwater and Herekawe Stream, Back Beach.
Activities
Diving and snorkelling
Fishing
Kayaking and canoeing
Diving
The islands and reefs in the SLIMPA are close the port and it's a popular diving spot. The deep water is home to a variety of marine life and the scenery is spectacular. In summer and autumn underwater visibility can reach 20 metres so these are the best times to dive.
Dive shops and the New Plymouth Sports Fishing and Underwater Club regularly dive the area and can provide advice on the best locations and conditions. Divers must display a dive flag while diving to alert boat operators of their presence.
Fishing
Recreational fishing is a popular activity in the SLIMPA but fishing is restricted to one rod per person and a maximum of three hooks. Long lines and set-nets are banned.
Species taken include kingfish, kahawai, snapper, blue cod, trevally, blue moki, sweep, red gurnard and tarakihi. Normal recreational size and bag limits apply.
Game fishing for tuna, marlin and mako shark is popular further offshore during summer and early autumn.
SLIMPA borders the northern boundary of the Tapuae Marine Reserve. Fishing is not permitted in the Reserve.
Boating and sea kayaking
You can appreciate the seals, birds and other wildlife close up. This is a real experience and the Information Centre at Puke Ariki in New Plymouth can provide guide and kayak hire details.
Places to stay
New Plymouth City offers a wide variety of accommodation.
Plan and prepare
No person may land on, or remove any plant or animal from the islands without the prior consent of the Minister of Conservation.
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
Location map
View a larger, print-fomatted map of Ngā Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Protected Area (PDF, 51K)
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