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Tuhua (Mayor Island) Marine Reserve

Bay of Plenty area

Leatherjacket, Mayor Island. Photo copyright: Kim Westerskov. DOC USE ONLY.

Leatherjacket, Mayor Island.

Bay of Plenty area.

Tuhua (Mayor Island) Marine Reserve, north of Tauranga, was established in January 1993 to protect marine organisms and their habitats for present and future generations.

Location

It covers about three square nautical miles at the northern end of the Tuhua (Mayor Island) and extends from mean high water springs mark to one nautical mile offshore. The reserve includes about five kilometres of coastline from Tumutu Point east to Turanganui Point.

Features

Learn about the marine habitats and life found in Tuhua (Mayor Island) Marine Reserve. Over 60 species of fish are known to live here including black angelfish, leatherjackets, hiwihiwi, marblefish, paketi, banded wrasse and red moki.

Activities in Tuhua (Mayor Island) Marine Reserve

Boating, swimming, diving and snorkelling are all encouraged within Tuhua (Mayor Island) Marine Reserve.

Places to stay

Landing on the island itself is by permission of the owners (Tuhua Trust Board). Cabin and tent accommodation can be booked by contacting the Tauranga DOC office.

Plan & prepare

Strict quarantine measures are in place on Tuhua. You must contact the Tuhua Island caretaker before visiting the island.

Highlights:

Monitoring

An Underwater Visual Census of reef fish at Tuhua Marine Reserve has been undertaken since 1993. Beginning in 2004, predator reef fish have been monitored using Bait Underwater Video. View the findings of both monitoring programmes.

Map & boundaries

View a map and find out about the boundaries of the Tuhua (Mayor Island) marine reserve.

Find out more

Publications

Kaimai to coast brochure (PDF, 1,497K)

Weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Stop the spread of didymo

Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Have your say on conservation in your community

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Contacts

Tauranga Area Office
Phone:	+64 7 578 7677

Email:
Full office details