Akaroa Marine Reserve

Akaroa Marine Reserve is a protected marine area at the entrance of Akaroa Harbour covering roughly 512 hectares along Banks Peninsula. The waters shelter dolphins, seals, and penguins in their natural habitat.

Creation of this protected zone began in 1990 when Forest and Bird conducted exploratory dives to study the marine life. The area received official protection status in 2014 following years of assessment and planning.

The area holds significance for Maori as an ancestral region, with place names and traditions reflecting this long connection to the land and sea. Visitors today encounter these cultural roots when exploring the community and learning about local conservation efforts.

To explore the reserve, visitors book guided boat tours departing from Akaroa Township for the best experience. Alternatively, public boat ramps at Duvauchelle, Akaroa, and Wainui provide access for those with their own boats.

These waters are home to Hector's dolphins, one of the world's smallest dolphin species, measuring just 1.4 meters in length when fully grown. These remarkably tiny marine mammals make the reserve a destination for nature watchers seeking rare sightings.