Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand

Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve, Te Whanganui A Hei, covers 9 square kilometers and is New Zealand's sixth marine reserve. It is administered by the Department of Conservation.

This was chosen for a marine reserve because of the rich and varied habitats associated with the coastline and outlying islands. Reefs of hard rock, soft sediments, intricate caves and underwater arches provide homes for complex communities of plants, crustacean, mollusc's and fish. Sheltered from the worst of the southerly winds Te Whanganui-A-Hei gives visitors and unparalleled opportunity to learn from and enjoy an unspoilt marine environment.

Scuba divers enjoy the reserve for its sponge gardens and reef systems. Crayfish and black angel fish hide in the cracks and crevices of reefs around Mahurangi Island. In the large boulder fields near Motueka Island, curious schools of sweep may follow divers.

Delicate corals, usually found at depth, are close to the surface in Poikeke Island cave. Closer to shore, brittle starfish might be found on rocky platforms and red moki graze amid forests of seaweed. Predators, like the leather-jacket, pick their food from a range of smaller animals. of Cathedral Cove beach is an idyllic destination for picnics and swimming.

Cathedral Cove Spellball, New Zealand

Photo taken from:images.google.com

Cathedral Cove, New Zealand

Photo taken from:images.google.com

Cathedral Cove, New Zealand

Photo taken from:images.google.com

Cathedral Cove, New Zealand

Photo taken from:images.google.com

Cathedral Cove, New Zealand

Photo taken from:images.google.com

The Hahei Explorer, New Zealand

Photo taken from:images.google.com

The Hahei Explorer, New Zealand

Photo taken from:images.google.com

The Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand MAP

Photo taken from:images.google.com

The Hahei Adventures (established in 1993) is a state-of the-art rigid hull inflatable boat. The Explorer trip is an hour long, travels up to 12kms, and takes the visitor into coastal Islands of the marine reserve, reefs, massive sea caves and bays, including the world famous Cathedral Cove. The magnificence of this natural Volcanic scenery is legendary and the approach by sea, combined with an insightful yet relaxed commentary further enhances the experience

Marine life is all around and can be experienced close up because the boat is right in amongst the natural scenery. Smell the seaweed, watch gannets dive headlong around the islands, reach and touch the rainbow coloured rock formations and hear stories of Maori encampments! One of the leading attractions of this extraordinary volcanic coastline, when the tide is right, the tour visits an awesome blowhole, venturing through a sea cave underground into a gigantic rock cylinder 80 feet high – It’s truly a magical and wonderful place! Information signs are located at Hahei Beach, Wigmore Stream, Cooks Beach and Whitianga launching ramps. These signs have maps showing the reserve boundaries as well as other information about the reserve. The actual boundary is marked by large white posts placed on the islands and at each end of the mainland boundary