Activities in Taputeranga Marine Reserve
Taputeranga Marine Reserve offers the chance to experience one of New Zealand's most dynamic coastal environments.
The changing moods of Wellington's climate are starkly illustrated on Wellington's south coast, making it popular with photographers and variety of outdoor enthusiasts. One day it can be as calm as a mirror, and perfect for sea kayaking, snorkelling, diving and swimming. A southerly storm the next day can whip up waves several metres high, luring surfers out en masse.
Beneath the water
A young snorkeller checks out
Wellington's south coast
Divers and snorkellers can explore offshore reefs extending out into Cook Strait,supporting a variety of habitats for fish, invertebrates and algae. Over 180 fish species, including blue cod, variable triple fin and banded wrasse, are recorded from the south coast.
The calmer waters encourage forests of kelp, amongst which New Zealand's only seahorse species finds shelter. Octopus, rock lobsters, crabs, anemones and the sea hare, which feed on seaweed, are among other species that you may see.
Island Bay Snorkel Trail
The Island Bay Snorkel Trail, conveniently located just a few minutes walk from the end of the bus route to the east of Island Bay, is the ideal place to investigate the marine life in the reserve.
Swim between the buoys that mark the trail and explore the reef for a close encounter with banded wrasse, butterfish, tarakihi, spotties, and blue cod. They'll be bigger and more abundant each time you visit because marine life in the reserve is protected.
Snorkel gear can be rented from nearby Island Bay Divers on the corner of Reef Street and The Parade, Island Bay.
The trail was developed by the voluntary group Friends of Taputeranga Marine Reserve and supported by the Wellington Community Trust.
View a map of the Island Bay Snorkel Trail (JPG, 29K)
Diving the wreck of the F69 Wellington frigate
Divers can explore the wreck of the F69 Wellington frigate dive site, which was scuttled on 13 November 2005 east of Taputeranga Island. It is now in three sections providing two separate dives. There are providers of dive equipment and services in close proximity to the reserve.
Above the water
Some of the wildlife is visible above water. Many different types of bird, including the Australasian gannet, whitefronted tern, little blue penguin and gulls depend on the
sea for food. From a boat or sea kayak you might even spot a passing albatross or Arctic skua.
Southern right whale, Wellington's
south coast
The threatened variable oystercatcher and reef heron are often seen feeding around the shoreline. Several species of shags (especially little shag), reef heron and roosting gulls and terns are also among the birds you'll spot around the shore.
Marine mammals also visit the area - common dolphins are regularly observed and occasionally whales. To the west of the reserve, at Sinclair Head, New Zealand fur seals can be seen lazing on the rocks.
Rock pools
The beaches and rocky shores are best explored at low tide. In and around rockpools you can find plants and animals dependent on the rise and fall of the tide. These include crabs, snails, anemones, starfish and seaweed. Remember, if you look under the rocks, turn them back the way you found them.
Education
It's easy to see why this a has been a focus for marine study for the past three decades. Victoria University of Wellington's Coastal Ecology Lab is located here, as is the Wellington Marine Education Centre, which offers hands-on activities, and live displays to encourage a better understanding and appreciation of the south coast.
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