Image: Danica Stent | DOC
Sailboat.
Long Island - Kokomohua Marine Reserve

Located in the Marlborough region

Tucked away in the Marlborough Sounds, Long Island - Kokomohua Marine Reserve is a great getaway for the whole family. Relax on a sandy beach, explore rocky reefs and admire the distinctive landscapes of the Marlborough Sounds.

Long Island - Kokomohua Marine Reserve was established in 1993.
 

The reserve is only accessible by a private or a charter boat. It is 35 km from Picton and can take anywhere between 30 minutes to several hours travel, depending on sea conditions and the type of boat.

Landing on Long Island is discouraged and only for emergency purposes without a prior approval.

There are no jetties on Long Island, but craft can land at an obvious bouldery point on the south-western shore. It is also possible to land in a bay on the island's eastern side, where concrete generator sheds remain from a World War II submarine detection system. 

There are no easy landing sites on Kokomohua Island. 

Boat services operate on Queen Charlotte Sound from Picton. 

Places to stay

You can stay in a number of DOC campsites in the area while exploring the marine reserve. Campsites in the Queen Charlotte Sound.

Tangata whenua may access the reserve to remove nephrite and serpentine (subject to any required resource consents).

There is no affect to any person's rights of ownership in respect of the wreck “Elsie”.

Water safety

Divers and boaties should be wary of unmarked reefs, and tidal changes. Currents are particularly strong around the charted rock in the reserve's north and strong winds can quickly make the sea choppy. 

If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.

Long and Kokomohua Islands are nestled inside the entrance to Queen Charlotte Sound. They are attached to each other by a largely submerged reef, which surrounds and extends northeast from Kokomohua Island for almost 500 m.  

Northeast of Kokomoua Island several rocky pinnacles rise to just below the surface from relatively deep water. Here you can see schools of fish such as butterfly perch and tarakihi, and the occasional rock lobster. 

Large blue cod are abundant in the reserve and show little fear of divers, frequently biting fingers and anything else that catches their eye.

Top of the South Marine Biosecurity Partnership

We work closely with partners through the Top of the South Marine Biosecurity Partnership to manage the threat of marine pests.

Mediterranean fan worm

Marlborough District Council aiming to stop the Mediterranean fanworm.

Regional Pest Management Plan and Rules for Mediterranean fanworm (PDF, 98.7KB)

Marlborough District Council information page

If you think you have found something unusual in the marine environment, call the MPI Hotline 0800 809 966.