Planning a visit
Getting there
The reserve is 20km from downtown Auckland. The best access point for school visits is the Long Bay Regional Park main entrance where there is plenty of car parking.
The mangroves and mudflats of the Okura Estuary are most easily accessed from the Okura River Road.
Checking the tides
A visit to the marine reserve should be organised at low tide. Be sure to check tide timetables before you set your dates. You should be able to carry out most of the suggested activities at the site two hours either side of low tide.
Facilities
There are toilets and shelter at the Long Bay Regional Park. A kiosk sells snacks and drinks.
The Marine Education and Recreation Centre (MERC) located at the southern end of Long Bay beach is administered by the MERC Trust. The Centre offers residential outdoor recreational experiences for schools and other groups. It needs to be booked in advance. Phone +64 9 473 0714.
There is an Auckland Regional Council Information Office which includes an interactive environment centre. The building may not always be staffed.