What is it that you want to take away from your Marine Reserve visit? Many who visit these areas of natural beauty want to witness multiple forms of wildlife. Others may want to engage in boating and other water-based activities. In some cases, visitors simply want the chance to sit back and relax while enjoying the serenity that comes with pristine waters. Visiting Cape Rodney-Okakuri gives you an opportunity to have the best of all worlds. If you are going in a group, this makes planning your trip easier. When you don’t know what you want from your visit, Cape Rodney-Okakuri gives you plenty of choice.
A Versatile Marine Reserve
When you look for diversity, you need to seek out a variety of activities. From Leigh Harbour you can launch your boat and head for the reserve, although you must stay at least 30m away from swimmers at all times. While you may fish away from the reserve’s boundaries, you cannot fish within the area itself. In fact, even having your fishing rod out may attract a fine.
Snorkelling is available in both shallow and deep waters. This makes Cape Rodney-Okakuri particularly useful for parents, as their children can explore the marine life there. Rock pooling is another attractive option, when the tides are low. To see deeper into the water with kids, you can even take a glass bottom boat tour during good weather.
If you want more freedom on the water, away from a large boat, you can indulge in kayaking and canoeing. For those who do not want to dedicate all their time at Cape Rodney-Okakuri, it is possible to head for the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre, while taking in the surrounding nature.
Wildlife Features
Most people who head for any of New Zealand’s Marine Reserves do so because they love nature. A visit to Cape Rodney-Okakuriwon’t disappoint you. The University of Auckland regularly uses the area to examine ecosystem functions, with some impressive scientific equipment in tow.
If you want to dive beneath the waves, you can see a forest of a different kind: a seaweed forest. Many of the fish in these forests meander between the seaweed and pop out randomly. This makes them fun to observe, and as they are friendly, you can get up-close for some underwater photography. The Department of Conservation (DoC) does not recommend feeding the fish, as this can disrupt their natural breeding patterns.
There are 547 hectares of wildlife in total. If you do want to see fish, monamos and snappers are two of the best highlights.
Getting to Cape Rodney-Okakuri and Staying There
Although there is a car park at Cape Rodney-Okakuri, you cannot take your campervan there and pitch up. Anybody who wants to stay in the area needs to look to nearby Leigh, which is home to a variety of campsites, hotels, and B&Bs. There are also some specialist backpacker facilities, which is great news for those traveling across New Zealand.
If you want to arrive at the reserve by road, take the SH1 to Warkworth and look out for Goat Island Marine Reserve signs. Although you cannot access drinking water at the reserve, there are toilets, a cold shower for washing yourself down, and changing rooms. Before you go swimming or snorkelling, check the northeast wind speeds. If they are 20 knots or above, reconsider your activities.
A visit to Cape Rodney-Okakuri offers plenty of chances to indulge in different activities. To perfect your day, take along your camera to get plenty of memorable snaps.
