Tonga Island Marine Reserve
Located in the Nelson/Tasman region
Introduction
Enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the Abel Tasman National Park. It is renowned for its golden sand beaches, intimate coves, and excellent summer weather.Image gallery
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Kayaking at Tonga Island Marine Reserve Image: Helen Kettles | DOC
![Kayakers at Tonga Island Marine Reserve.]( "Kayakers at Tonga Island Marine Reserve.")
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Fur seal at Tonga Island Marine Reserve Image: | DOC
![Fur seal on rocks.]( "Fur seal on rocks.")
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Fur seal at Tonga Island Marine Reserve Image: | DOC
![Fur seal in water.]( "Fur seal in water.")
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Hermit crab, Tonga Island Marine Reserve Image: Davidson environmental Ltd. ©
![Hermit crab, Tonga Island Marine Reserve.]( "Hermit crab, Tonga Island Marine Reserve.")
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Rhodoliths at Tonga Island Marine Reserve Image: Davidson environmental Ltd. ©
![Rhodoliths at Tonga Island Marine Reserve.]( "Rhodoliths at Tonga Island Marine Reserve.")
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Rhodoliths and clam, Tonga Island Marine Reserve Image: Davidson environmental Ltd. ©
![Rhodoliths and clam, Tonga Island Marine Reserve.]( "Rhodoliths and clam, Tonga Island Marine Reserve.")
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Urchins on granite at Tonga Island Marine Reserve Image: Davidson environmental Ltd. ©
![Urchins on granite at Tonga Island Marine Reserve.]( "Urchins on granite at Tonga Island Marine Reserve.")
Find things to do and places to stay Tonga Island Marine Reserve
The best snorkelling is among the rocks between Tonga Quarry and Foul Point.
Diving is most rewarding on the reefs around Tonga Island or in the north of the reserve.
Kayaking, rock-pooling and picnicking around the golden sandy coves at Tonga Island Marine Reserve is an idyllic way to spend a day.
Transport services
The Abel Tasman coast is well served by bus, boat and kayaking companies. Find out how to book.
Travelling by private boat
The nearest boat ramp is at Totaranui, 5 km north of Awaroa Head. There are others at Tarakohe near Takaka, and at Kaiteriteri and Marahau in the south.
Water users should be wary of unmarked reefs and tidal changes. Sea conditions are often calm in winter but stiff sea breezes occur daily in summer and there is little shelter to be found along rocky sections of the coastline during storms.
If this visit is part of your Great Walks experience, see Abel Tasman Coast Track for a map.
Before setting out, check the tide tables because it is only safe to cross Awaroa Inlet within one hour 30 minutes before low tide and two hours after.
From Awaroa Hut, head east to the mouth of Venture Creek and climb up to Tonga Saddle. From here there is an easy descent to Onetahuti Beach - your first contact with the marine reserve. Tonga Island lies directly offshore from here.
- Before you board the boat or start the Abel Tasman Coast Track check for pests, such as mice, rats, non-native ants and weeds.
- Keep your distance from seals (at least 20 m) – they can move fast and bite.
- No fishing or shellfish gathering from either boat or shore.
Visitors can easily combine land and sea adventures in their holiday. There is also a New Zealand fur seal colony on Tonga Island. Keep your distance as human encounters may disturb seals natural habitat.
Kayakers will often see little blue penguins along this coast and may occasionally be rewarded with an encounter with a pod of dolphins.
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.
Contacts
| Whakatū / Nelson Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 546 9339 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa 79 Trafalgar Street Nelson 7010 |
| Postal Address: |
Private Bag 5 Nelson 7042 |
| Full office details | |
