Living in Northland

Northland has two marine reserve areas. Under the Marine Reserves Act 1971, the Department of Conservation is responsible for caring for and managing marine reserves.

Poor Knights Islands

Poor Knights Islands.

In 1981, the ocean surrounding the Poor Knights Islands, 12 nautical miles off the east coast of Northland, was established as New Zealand's second marine reserve. The marine reserve extends for 800 metres offshore around the Poor Knights Islands.

Find out more: www.doc.govt.nz

Whāngārei Harbour - Waikaraka and Motukaroro

Whāngārei Harbour has two marine reserve sites - Waikaraka and Motukaroro / Passage Island.

The Whāngārei Harbour Marine Reserve came into being on 18 October 2006 and comprises two sites - Waikaraka and around Motukaroro/Passage Island at Reotahi. The combined area of both sites is approximately 253.7 hectares or 2.54% of the Whāngārei Harbour.

Find out more: www.doc.govt.nz

Further information

For more information about these marine reserves, contact the Department of Conservation:

Northland Conservancy Office
Address: 149 - 151 Bank Street, Whāngārei 0112
Postal address: PO Box 842, Whāngārei 0140
Phone: +64 9 430 2470
Fax: +64 9 430 2479
Email: northland@doc.govt.nz
Web: www.doc.govt.nz