Introduction

There are many islands and marine reserves you can visit in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park/Ko te Pataka kai o Tikapa Moana Te Moananui a Toi.

    What can you do in the marine park? Spot a kiwi on Motuihe or a takahe on Tiritiri Matangi. Climb a volcano on Rangitoto. Dive or snorkel in the Goat Island or Long Bay marine reserves. Tramp into the wilderness on Great Barrier Island. Take a tunnel tour on North Head or a tour through historic Mansion House on Kawau Island.

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    Places to go

    Note: Browns Island (Motukorea) is now owned by Auckland Council. 

    Island nature reserves that require a landing permit

    You must have a landing permit to land on these islands:

    • Mokohinau Islands (all except Burgess Island)
    • Little Barrier Island/Hauturu
    • Cuvier Island
    • Mercury Islands (all except Great Mercury Island)
    • Alderman Islands
    • Whangamata Islands

    Pest free islands

    You can visit many of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Many of these islands had pest animals removed and are sanctuaries for native wildlife.

    Pest free islands include: Beehive Island/Taungamaro, Broken Islands (Pig Islands), Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island, Kaikoura Island (Selwyn Island), Mokohinau Islands, Motuhaku Island, Motuihe Island/Te Motu-a-Ihenga, Motuora Island, Pakatoa, Rakino Island, Rangitoto Island and Motutapu Island, Rotoroa, Tarakihi (east of Waiheke), Te Haupa Island (Saddle Island), The Noises and Tiritiri Matangi Island.

    Marine reserves

    Marine reserves are our national parks of the sea. You can visit by boat and go diving, swimming, and snorkelling. You must not take marine life or harm the natural habitats.

    Marine reserves within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park are:

    • Cape Rodney-Okakari Point (also known as Goat Island), near Leigh
    • Long Bay-Okura, north of Auckland
    • Motu Manawa-Pollen Island, in the upper Waitemata Harbour
    • Te Matuku, off the southern end of Waiheke Island
    • Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove), near Whitianga
    • Tāwharanui Marine Reserve, approximately 90 km north of Auckland
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