Taputeranga Marine Reserve lies along Wellington’s south coast, exposed to the wild wind and pounding waves of Cook Strait. Created in 2008, the marine reserve also protects calmer waters around Taputeranga Island in Island Bay.  

The diverse habitats in the marine reserve range from offshore rocky reefs to rock pools to sandy shores, and support a wide variety of marine life. Kelp forests provide a place for rock lobster (crayfish/kōura), pāua and kina (sea urchin) to live, as well as many fish.  

A coastal road and the regular passing of ships and planes are constant reminders that a busy harbour and the capital city are just around the corner – Wellingtonians make good use of the opportunities for recreation along the coastline. A small fishing fleet anchors at Island Bay and the sea outside the marine reserve is popular with commercial and recreational fishers.