A great way to spend a day in Central Hawkes Bay.

Explore! Enjoy! Learn! Take nothing but photos & memories

Te Angi Angi Marine Reserve was established in August 1997. It is located on the Central Hawke's Bay coast, approximately 30km east of Waipukurau and Waipawa. It covers an area of about 1.3 square nautical miles (446 hectares), extending 1 nautical mile offshore from mean high water mark between Blackhead and Aramoana beaches.

How to get there

Turn off State Highway 2 at Waipawa or Waipukurau. From Waipawa, Turn east into Tamumu Rd. Approximately 2km's down this road the name will change to Pourerere Road. Just before Pourerere Beach on the right is Gibraltar Rd. It is a no exit road.

From Waipukurau, head south east from Waipukurau on Tavistock Road, Farm Road, and follow the signs from there to Blackhead Beach. Te Angiangi reserve runs between Blackhead and Aramoana Beaches.

Purpose of the Reserve

Marine reserves are areas of the sea in which all natural features, including marine life , are protected in the natural state.

The reserve protects a typical piece of the Central Hawke's Bay coast. At low tide a broad rock platform is exposed, giving access to a fascinating variety of marine life. Distinctive plants and animals include the golden limpet, and large beds of Neptune;'s necklace, pink coralline seaweeds and eel grass. Small fish, crabs, juvenile paua and kina inhabit the rock pools.

Boundaries of the Reserve

The northern and southern boundaries are marked by pairs of large yellow triangular beacons. These are located at the mouth of the Ouepoto Stream, on the end of the ridge and 100m south of the end of Long Range Road, Blackhead.

When visiting the Reserve

All plant and animal life, alive or dead, in the marine reserve is totally protected. No fishing, seaweed or shellfish gathering is allowed. The reefs and sea floor are also protected so nothing can be removed from the reserve.

When exploring the rock pools return any rocks you look under to their original position. This will help protect the plants and animals living on and under them.

Swimming and diving

The marine reserve is will suited to shore diving and the best way to appreciate it is to go for a swim with a face mask on. The best places for beginners to snorkel are the sheltered waters of Stingray Bay and Shelly Bay. During calm conditions experienced snorkel and SCUBA divers will have no difficulty swimming off the edge of the intertidal rock platform.

Horseriding and motor vehicles

Horses and motor vehicles can be ridden or driven along the sand at the top of the rock platform but are not permitted onto the rocky areas below mean high water.

Wildlife

Please avoid disturbing wildlife. Birds and marine mammals should be observed from a discrete distance and dogs kept on a leash at all times. Boats should slow to less than 5 knots and stay at least 50m away from seals, dolphins or whales.

Coastal walk

A walk is a great way of exploring the coast between Blackhead and Paoanui Point. At low tide many types of bird take advantage of rich feeding areas on the intertidal platforms. At high tide small flocks of gulls, white-fronted terns and Caspian terns can be viewed roosting on the sand at the mouths of small streams.

Who looks after the Marine Reserve

Management of the marine reserve is the responsibility of the Department of Conservation. The Department is assisted in this by a committee representing the tangata whenua, local residents, and commercial and recreational users of the area.