Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve

Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve is a protected area along the Hauraki Gulf coast with habitats ranging from rocky shores to deep reefs. The seabed features sponge gardens and supports diverse marine life within its guarded waters.

The reserve was established in 1975 as New Zealand's first of its kind. Protection allowed the once-degraded seafloor to recover into a balanced ecosystem rich with marine life.

The site holds the name Te Hāwere-a-Maki, with Goat Island at its heart carrying deep ties to Ngāti Manuhiri who have lived here for generations. The island and surrounding waters remain central to how the local community connects with and cares for this part of the coastline.

Visitors can explore the marine landscape through snorkeling, scuba diving, or glass-bottom boat tours to observe sea life. Water visibility generally supports good conditions for underwater activities on most days.

The Leigh Marine Laboratory conducts extensive research from this site, studying how marine ecosystems function and how different species interact. Decades of scientific work using specialized equipment have tracked the natural recovery of these waters.