Off the Beaten Track to... Tawharanui Marine Reserve

The 400 hectare Tāwharanui Marine Reserve was established in September 2011. The name Tāwharanui ties the marine reserve to the Tawharanui Peninsula and its English translation refers to the abundance of the climbing vine kiekie (freycinetia baueriana).

The Tāwharanui Marine Reserve is the fifth marine reserve in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, New Zealand’s “national park” of the sea. It lies on the northern coast of the Tawharanui Peninsula in the Rodney District about 90 kilometres north of Auckland on New Zealand's North Island. This area is a very special with over 50 species of fish recorded in its waters including stingray, eagle ray, moray, conger eels, red mullet, bigeye, red moki, blue maomao, spotty, koheru, snapper and spiny lobster. Oysters, mussels, kina and topshells are also found in rock pools along the coastline and bottle nosed dolphin and pilot whales visit the area.

It is a popular spot (so we suggest that you avoid the weekends and school holidays if you can), but well worth a visit for its great beaches, clear waters and beautiful scenery. Popular activities include swimming, snorkelling, surfing and picnicking.

What You Can Do

• Get Wet – The clear waters are great for swimming, snorkelling and diving.
• Surfing – If there's a swell on the east coast, Tāwharanui is a good spot for surfers.
• Walks – Next to the marine reserve, Tawharanui Regional Park offers excellent day walks ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours through native bush, along the coast or across farmland.
• Boating – The nearest boat launching ramp to the marine reserve is at Omaha. Boaties are welcome to navigate through the reserve (no fishing is allowed and fish should not be fed).
• Camping – Adjacent to the marine reserve is a camp ground and bach. (Other accommodation is available in Omaha, Matakana and Warkworth including motels, bed and breakfasts, and holiday houses).

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