The island has a significant Maori history and offers a range of recreation activities, including a track to a stunning pa site, and an educational underwater trail for snorkelers.
Urupukapuka Island is a great place for fishing, swimming and all types of water sports or you can take a walk and learn more about the historic heritage of the island.
Of significant historic and cultural importance, Urupukapuka Island is also a great place to relax or for water sports at one of the many beaches.
The marine environment in the Whangarei Harbour is of distinctive quality, and two marine areas are set aside for protection around Motukaroro (Passage) Island and at Waikaraka.
Boating, kayaking or snorkelling are great activities within the Whangarei Harbour Marine Reserve.
The track through a mix of pasture and lightly wooded landscape leads you to stunning Taronui Bay with its white sand beach sheltered by a reef.
The Loop Walk around the headland provides a little of everything that Mimiwhangata has to offer.
One of the bush walks at Mimiwhangata, the track leads you to the top of the ridge with impressive views of the peninsula and out towards the Poor Knights Islands.
This bush walk at Mimiwhangata offers superb views of Mimiwhangata, the coast and the Poor Knights Islands:
At Otamure Bay Campsite you’ll find the Watkin Powell Track. The short track leads to a sandy, secluded beach at Tauwhara Bay.
Tutukaka Head has a number of good beaches and is a great place for swimming, boating, fishing, surfing and diving. The site’s main walking track leads to the Tutukaka Lighthouse.
The Otito Track meanders through forest before leading you to several small sandy beaches.
The Motutara Recreation Reserve lies halfway between Russell and Whangarei. At the reserve you’ll find several small beaches and some good fishing and diving spots.
This scenic track follows the rugged coastline of Cape Reinga and descends to Te Werahi and Twilight beaches. Self-sufficient camping is available.
The Whangaruru North Head Walking Tracks can be accessed from the popular campsite at Puriri Bay. The tracks follow through native forest and ridgelines before dropping down into secluded bays.
The area provides easy access to great walking tracks and picnic areas. Other recreation opportunities range from enjoying the stunning views, bird watching and tramping to swimming, diving, fishing and surfing the waves.
Visitors to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve can enjoy boating, snorkelling, scuba diving and canoeing.
Mimiwhangata is a great place for beach activities such as swimming, snorkelling, fishing, picnicking or just relaxing.
Motukawanui Island off the coast of Northland is predator-free and home to a flourishing population of native birds. There are opportunities for snorkelling and swimming and you can stay overnight in a hut.
This easy track is just 1 km north of Maiki/Flagstaff Hill, near Russell. Tapeka Point is the perfect base for exploring this part of the Bay of Islands by land or water.
Whether interested in walking the Cape Brett or Whangamumu tracks, taking a refreshing swim and snorkel at Deep Water Cover or learning more about the area's Maori history there is much to do in the Cape Brett area.
The archaeological walk on Urupukapuka Island is suitable for people of most ages and fitness levels. It's a great place to learn about the area’s Maori history.
This 4-km loop track skirts Moturua Island. The island’s regenerating forest is home to rare native wildlife, including the North Island robin and New Zealand dotterel.
Once out on the water from Paihia or Russell, the first island you see is Motuarohia (Roberton). It features two beautiful lagoons and is the most photographed location in the Bay of Islands.
The Cape Brett Track traverses rugged terrain for 16 km through native and regenerating bush. Expect dramatic coastal views; steep cliffs and drop-offs to the side of the track are a feature.
The Kermadec Islands Nature Reserve, located some 1000km northeast of New Zealand, is the most remost area managed by the Department of Conservation and can only be visited with a special permit.
Marine reserves are great places to swim, snorkel, dive and boat. Remember that the reserves are ‘no take’ areas, so fishing or removing marine life is not permitted.
This return walk traverses the coast part way to Cape Rodney. overlooking New Zealand's oldest and most popular marine reserve.
Be sure to spend time at the visitor centre before venturing out on one of the many bush or coastal walks. You’ll also want to visit the island’s historic lighthouse and pa sites.
The best way to experience the reserve is by snorkelling or diving. Coastal walkways meander through coastal forest and offer fine views and quiet picnic spots.
New Zealand's first marine reserve, Cape Rodney-Okakari Point was established in 1975. It is also known as Goat Island or Leigh marine reserve.
On a day visit to Rakitu you might choose to snorkel, dive or take a leisurely walk. Several historic sites, including three pa are found on the island.
The Mokohinau Islands provide a dramatic backdrop for boating. The waters are excellent for diving and snorkelling. On Burgess Island you can visit the lighthouse and the remains of World War II military installations.
On Great Barrier Island you can take a soak in thermal springs, tramp through coastal forests or snorkel in an isolated cove. Boating, kayaking and fishing are other popular activities on the island.
People are welcome to visit the Te Matuku Marine Reserve to picnic, swim, snorkel, dive, take photos, kayak and watch birds.
Access to Motuihe Recreation Reserve is by private boat, water taxi or Fullers ferry. Once there you’ll enjoy camping, swimming, walks, visiting historic sites and bird watching.
There are many recreational opportunities and places of interest to visit in the area. You can enjoy snorkelling, diving, boating and walking scenic tracks.
Boating, swimming, diving and snorkelling are all encouraged within Tuhua (Mayor Island) Marine Reserve.
Walking, exploring, kayaking, snorkelling, diving, general boating and sightseeing are all popular activities in the reserve.
The Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Protected Area comprises 749 hectares of seabed, foreshore and water around the Ngā Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands. It offers some great recreational opportunities.
The 1800ha Parininihi Marine Reserve is a “classic” section of the wild Taranaki coastline. Pariokariwa Reef, in the reserve area, has been rated as one of the top sponge spots in the world.
At Te Angiangi Marine Reserve you can swim, snorkel, dive and boat. Or take time to explore the reserve's beach.
Snorkelling, diving, boating and walking are all great ways to explore different aspects of Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve.
Diving, snorkelling, kayaking, swimming, surfing, study and photography are among activities that can be enjoyed in Wellington's Taputeranga Marine Reserve.
Walking, mountain biking, fishing, snorkelling, diving and picnicking are activities you can enjoy at Whitireia Park.
Divers and snorkellers can get amongst the sea life and there are plenty of opportunities for bird watching and other wildlife pursuits for walkers, boaties and kayakers.
At Turakirae Head you'll find the largest New Zealand fur seal colony in the Wellington region as well as the internationally-famous geological record revealed by five earthquake-raised beaches.
Recreational hunting, tramping, walking, cycling, 4 wheel driving, and camping are activities you can enjoy in and around the Aorangi Forest Park.
Learn about the tracks and walks and other recreation opportunities in the Marlborough Sounds.
Enjoy the coastal views on this walkway between Cable Bay and The Glen, near Nelson. Boating, sea kayaking, and snorkeling are all possible.
Swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking are popular activities in the marine reserve.
Walking, exploring the intertidal zone, kayaking, snorkelling, diving, general boating and sightseeing are all popular recreation activities in the reserve.
The best way to experience the reserve and its inhabitants is from the water. In addition to boating, snorkelling and diving there are also plenty of opportunities for bird-watching.
The varied plants and animals in the reserve make it ideal for birdwatching, diving and snorkelling and exploring by boat.
Scuba diving is a rewarding way to view the reserve and its inhabitants - but wear a wetsuit as the water can be very cold. Boat passengers and sea kayakers can also get a good view of the reserve.
Diving, fishing and boating are all great ways to see this unique place, but the fiords are fragile so please use care when visiting.
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