Akaroa Marine Reserve is 3 km from Pōhatu Marine Reserve.
Akaroa Marine Reserve lies at the mouth of Akaroa harbour. It is approximately 500 hectares, about 10-12 percent of the harbour area.
Access by land to the reserve is only suitable for 4WD vehicles and parking is limited.
Follow State Highway 75 until you get to Akaroa, then stay on Rue Lavaud Rd/Beach Rd. Stay left as Beach Rd becomes Rue Jolie and then continue onto Onuku Rd. Turn left onto Lighthouse Rd until you reach the reserve.
The reserve is accessible by boats and kayaks, with public boat ramps available at Duvauchelle, Akaroa, and Wainui. Additionally, numerous guided boat tours depart from Akaroa Township.
Scuba diver warning
Scuba divers driving to the reserve should be aware that the road over the hills from Christchurch reaches nearly 600 meters above sea level. Plan your dives and surface times carefully to avoid decompression sickness (the bends) during the drive out.
Marine mammals
The reserve is home to seals, penguins, and dolphins that can become distressed or aggressive when approached. Maintain the required distance from marine mammals to ensure you have a safe encounter.
Marine reserve rules
You are not permitted to take any animals or natural items from the reserve, including fish, shellfish, shells, seaweed, rocks, or driftwood.
Sea and weather conditions
Be prepared for changeable weather conditions, as well as rouge waves. Plan you trip and stay safe. Check the coastguard communication guidelines on safe boating.
Akaroa Marine Reserve was established to protect habitat for lobster and pāua. It is also a hotspot for Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest dolphin. You can also see albatrosses, petrels, and many other seabirds in the area.
The Iongairo project, a partnership between papatipu rūnanga, Environment Canterbury, the University of Otago and DOC, was established to create detailed seafloor habitat maps around Banks Peninsula. This work will improve our knowledge of the biodiversity across the southern side of Banks Peninsula so we can protect these special areas.
Protect our marine reserves
- No fishing of any kind.
- Don't take or kill marine life.
- Don't remove or disturb any marine life or materials.
- Don't feed fish - it disturbs their natural behaviour.
- Take care when anchoring to avoid damaging the sea floor.
Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 318 9211 |
| Email: | arthurspassvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | 104 West Coast Road Arthur's Pass 7654 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |