Marine reserves are set up and run by the Department of Conservation, and are aimed at maintaining, or in some cases replenishing, the natural biodiversity and environment. There are over 30 of them throughout the country, and every one is breathtakingly beautiful in its own way. Be prepared to see the breeding grounds of various species including whales and penguins, marine life galore, offshore islands, vibrant coral reefs, underwater cliffs and pretty sandy beaches, and that's just the beginning.
Discover more about NZ's marine reserves.
A microcosm of underwater diversity
You'll definitely want to take your togs; at many of our country's marine reserves, getting into the water is the best way to discover an underwater world teeming with colourful marine life. Snorkelling or diving is guaranteed to result in amazing sights. In fact, the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve is considered to be one of the top 10 diving sites in the world. With a microcosm of underwater diversity with precipitous walls of rock, dense kelp forests, sand gardens, giant sea caves, archways and massive underwater caverns, it's not hard to imagine why.
If you're not keen on getting in the water with so much going on beneath the surface, go kayaking instead. Or, many of the marine reserves around the country have boat trips departing regularly.
Strict Rules
The rules are strict at marine reserves, but so they should be - we definitely don't want anyone ruining our precious slices of aquatic paradise! You can't go fishing or take or disturb any marine life, you can't take anything from the sea floor away from the reserve or erect any structures, you can't feed the fish and you must take your waste with you. There are also specific rules for boats, so please check these out if you're planning on taking one.
Suggested Links
More info on the Poor Knights Islands.
Photos © Destination Northland
