Visit the DOC Auckland Visitor Centre at Princes Wharf, downtown Auckland, to find out about conservation areas around Auckland and throughout New Zealand. Location: The Visitor Centre is located at Auckland Tourism's i-SITE situated at 137 Quay Street, Princes Wharf, Downtown Auckland city. Come inside and see our friendly staff at the 'DOC desk'.
The Auckland volcanic reserve Browns Island (Motukorea) is home to Maori and Eurpoean historic sites and artefacts. Location: Motukorea lies a short distance offshore from Auckland's eastern suburbs.
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. Location: The Cape Rodney to Okakari Point Marine Reserve is located 3.5km from Leigh township, about one and a half hour's drive from Auckland.
Visit Harataonga Bay on Great Barrier Island where Castaway was filmed. Wander the deserted beach now the Castaways have gone or walk the nearby loop track to take in great views of Harataonga Bay and coastline. Location: Haratonga Bay is on the east coast of Great Barrier Island (Aotea).
Fort Takapuna, used by the New Zealand Defence Forces for over a century, offers a glimpse of New Zealand's 19th and 20th Century military history. Location: Fort Takapuna is located next to Narrow Neck beach on Auckland's North Shore.
Great Barrier Island is the largest island off New Zealand's North Island and lies 100 kilometres north-east of Auckland. More than 60 per cent of the island is managed by DOC. Alert: Kauri dieback has been found on Great Barrier Island. Location: Great Barrier Island lies 100 km northeast of downtown Auckland on the outer edge of the Hauraki Gulf.
The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park spans several regions. This link will take you to information about the islands and marine reserves in the Hauraki Gulf islands section of the website. Location: The park is located in the Hauraki Gulf and the eastern coastline of the Coromandel Peninsula.
Visit Kawau Island, former home to Sir George Grey, who developed the stately Mansion House and its exotic gardens. The house, gardens and tracks on the reserve are open to the public. Alert: Dispute Cove Track permanently closed. Location: Kawau Island lies north of Auckland in the Hauraki Gulf.
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. Location: 1000 kilometres northeast of New Zealand. The islands are remote and can only be accessed by private boat or charter vessel.
Little Barrier Island (Hauturu-o-Toi) is one of New Zealand's predator-free nature reserves, and home to a multitude of endangered species. You must first obtain a permit to visit. Location: Little Barrier Island (Hauturu-o-Toi) lies 80 km north of Auckland city on the outer edge of the Hauraki Gulf.
Just 20 km north of Auckland lies the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve. The reserve protects a variety of coastal habitats: sandy beaches, rocky reefs, estuarine mudflats and mangroves. Location: The reserve is about 20 km north of the centre of Auckland.
The Mokohinau Islands lie 100 km north-east of Auckland. The islands are home to skink and muttonbird populations. Recreational activities include walking and diving. Location: This small group of rugged islands lie about 100 km northeast of Auckland and 25 km northwest of Great Barrier Island.
Motuihe Island in the Hauraki Gulf offers history, nature and recreation. It is a popular Auckland destination for camping, exploring and relaxing on the beach as well as being the site of an exciting community-led ecological restoration programme. Location: Motuihe is in the Hauraki Gulf near Motutapu and Waiheke islands.
Come to Moturoa Island for a picnic, or camp for the night at this predator-free Auckland reserve. It's possible to hear and sometimes see (at night) North Island brown kiwi on the island. Location: Motuora Island lies 5 km east of Mahurangi Heads, north of Auckland.
Motutapu Island Reserve is popular for its historic and recreational value. You can come camping and exploring on this Auckland island. Location: Neighbours Rangitoto Island in the Hauraki Gulf.
Visit North Head Historic Reserve where a self-guided walk leads you through tunnels and other features of the area's past military defences. Location: North Head is located at the mouth of Auckland's Waitemata Harbour.
Rakitu (Arid) Island is a predator-free scenic reserve in the Auckland area. The island is home to a diverse population of forest and birds. Location: Rakitu Island lies five kilometres off Great Barrier's eastern coast.
Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve is the youngest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field. It is home to our largest pohutukawa forest, and some unique plantlife. Location: Rangitoto Island is in the Hauraki Gulf.
The Tāwharanui Marine Reserve, a 400 hectare marine reserve adjacent to the Tawharanui Regional Park, was established in September 2011. Location: The Tāwharanui Marine Reserve is on the northern coast of the Tawharanui Peninsula in the Rodney District, approximately 90 kilometres from Auckland City.
The wetlands of Tawharanui Regional Park are a mix of coastal lagoon, saline wetlands and freshwater habitat. A special feature of this site is the pest-proof fence that has allowed native species to flourish. Location: Near Warkworth, north of Auckland.
The 690-hectare Te Matuku Marine Reserve protects one of Waiheke Island's largest and least disturbed estuaries, along with an area outside Te Matuku Bay in the Waiheke Channel. Location: The reserve is located at the far south-east corner of Waiheke Island and can be accessed by land and sea.
You can be one of the lucky few to visit Tiritiri Matangi each day. This scientific reserve near Auckland is home to many native species due to being predator-free. Location: It lies 4 km off the coast of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, north of Auckland.
A spectacular and remote wilderness area, Whatipu is an extensive sandflat on Auckland's rugged west coast. There are campgrounds and walking tracks in the area. Location: Auckland's west coast.
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