Activities in Tapuae Marine Reserve
Remember, fishing or crayfish potting is not allowed.
Location map of Tapuae Marine Reserve
Diving
The best time of year to dive is January to April and there is plenty to explore. The islands in the northern part of the reserve are remnants of an ancient volcanic cone with caves and canyons, rock faces and crevices, overhangs, large pinnacles and boulder fields.
You'll see sponges and sea squirts, anemones and starfish as well as the tiny colonial animals called bryozoans that build stony skeletons resembling coral.
Reef fish like triple fins, scarlet wrasse and butterfly fish as well as pelagic fish such as John Dory, kingfish, snapper and mullet are also to be seen.
On a calm day there are snorkelling opportunities off the beach at the Tapuae stream end.
Observe and photograph. The taking of crayfish and spear-fishing is not allowed.
Boating
For charter services or kayak tours and hire contact the Visitor Information Centre at Puke Ariki in central New Plymouth. Access the boat ramp from Ocean View Parade, New Plymouth.
Kayakers and boaties should be aware that the seas in this reserve can be quite wild. You should always check with Coastguard for weather and sea conditions. Coastguard operates on VHF Ch61.
Seal watching
New Zealand fur seal
You'll see fur seals/kekeno on and around the islands and pups are born in the summer. Kekeno spend a lot of time on land in their rocky rest areas called haul outs. The males are bigger and more heavily muscled than the females and you may see the dominant bulls defending their territory by glaring, posturing and even fighting.
Remember seals are wild animals and will defend their territory aggressively. Enjoy them from a distance, at least 20 metres away.
See Seal Deal (PDF, 520K) for more information on kekeno/ the New Zealand Fur Seal.
Walk and watch
You can walk the length of the reserve from the Herekawe Stream to the Tapuae Stream. (6km/2hours). The beach is only accessible at low tide so check the tide times before you go. For your own safety you need to reach the other end of the beach no later than 2 hours after low tide. We recommend you leave a vehicle at the opposite end or arrange for someone to pick you up.
Good views of Tapuae Marine Reserve and the Sugar Loaf Islands can be gained from several lookouts along New Plymouth's Centennial Drive. Centennial Park car park, immediately south of Paritutu Rock, offers the best views.
Surfing
Bach beach, a popular surfing spot
Back Beach, in the northern part of the reserve is a popular surfing spot. It faces southwest and works 1 to 3.5 metre swells with breaks along a sandy beach front. The various sandbars and gutters form good beach break waves. It works on north easterly winds and mid to high tides. Park in the car park adjacent to the Herekawe Stream.
Map of Tapuae Marine Reserve (with WGS 84 lat/long coordinates of reserve boundaries) (PDF, 161K)