Nature and conservation
This marine reserve consists of saltmarsh, mangroves, small longshore spits, tidal creek habitats and extensive intertidal flats, and represents a rare continuity of conservation from freshwater to briny.
Te Matuku is a great place to bird watch while kayaking
Te Matuku Bay almost dries at low tide exposing extensive sand and mudflats. These mudflats provide rich pickings of sea snails, cockles, crabs and worms for wading birds at low tide. As the tide rises, juvenile flounder and mullet move in to feed on this abundant invertebrate life.
A notable feature of the reserve are the spiny tubeworm (Pomatoceros caeruleus) colonies dotted over the intertidal flats. This species used to be abundant in the inner Waitemata Harbour but is now rare there.
Three small shell spits on the eastern side of Te Matuku Bay are roosting and nesting areas for native and migrant shorebirds. The bay is named after the now-rare Matuku - Australasian bittern – and these can sometimes be seen in the adjoining scenic reserve wetland.
Offshore, fine muds extend out into Tamaki Strait and around Passage Rock. The greatest depths in the reserve occur off Otakawhe Bay at the entrance to Waiheke Channel. Here strong tidal currents expose patches of shell that are colonised by sponges, anemones and soft corals. Juvenile snapper and trevally are abundant around the reefs. Rig (spotted dogfish) and flatfish are common in Te Matuku Bay.
See Monitoring at Te Matuku Marine Reserve.
History and culture
The area is of historic interest, having been settled since pre-European times (Ngati Paoa), and there is a colonial settler cemetery above the bay.
There is a small oyster farm within the deeper waters of the reserve - this is technically not a part of the reserve, as it was a pre-existing business when the marine reserve was established.
The reserve is located at the far south-east corner of Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf. It extends into Tamaki Strait and can be accessed by land and sea.
By land, access is best by car - there is no public transport on this part of Waiheke Island. The drive to the reserve takes about 25 minutes from Kennedy Point (the vehicle ferry wharf) via Orapiu Road, which skirts around Te Matuku Bay.
Once in the Orapiu area, take Anzac Road which joins Nepean Ave and leads down to Otakawhe Bay where there is parking available. Note that nearby Hunterville Road begins at Orapiu Wharf and ends at Otakawhe Bay. It is more like a gravel walking track than a road. 360 Discovery run a ferry service from Auckland city to Orapui Wharf on it's way to the Coromandel.
Otakawhe Bay is the eastern-most beach of the marine reserve. With easy access from the road it is the perfect place to launch kayaks, although be aware of the tidal currents that effect this bay.
Location map of Te Matuku Marine Reserve
Know before you go
- Dogs are not allowed in the marine reserve.
- Avoid walking over the mud flats as this disturbs the flats and damages marine life.
- Take care not to crush the tubeworm colonies, these can be relatively easy to overlook and can appear dead when exposed at low water.
- There are large beds of Pacific oyster around the shoreline and the shells are very sharp.
- Do not approach the endangered New Zealand dotterel that breed on the shell spits.
Fishing is prohibited
Fishing of any kind is prohibited in a marine reserve, as is the taking or disturbing of any marine life, including seaweeds or shellfish. It is also an offence to take any natural form - this includes shells, rocks, wood or plants, or any part of the seafloor.
Information for boaties
Navigation within the reserve is not restricted. Passage Rock is an important navigation aid and boats commonly pass between it and Te Matuku Bay through the marine reserve.
Care should be taken to avoid damaging marine life by dragging anchors.
Boaties should not allow their boats to rest on the tidal flats at low tide as this can damage fragile intertidal species, particularly the tubeworm colonies.
Plan around tides
If exploring the bay and estuary, note that Te Matuku Bay is tidal and care must be taken to plan around the tides as areas dry out at low water. Mud towards the head of the bay is very soft and you can sink up to your waist in it.
Otakawhe Bay, Orapiu - accessible by vehicle. Be aware of the tidal currents that effect this bay.
Pearl Bay - a pleasant walk over the hill from Otakahwe Bay. Good at high tide.
Whites Bay - only accessible by boat.
Maps and boundaries
The boundaries of the Te Matuku Marine Reserve are marked with yellow, land-based triangular markers and floating yellow buoys. Boundaries are also marked on all recent maritime charts and GPS. Make sure you are aware of the boundaries of this marine reser if planning to fish outside it.
Map of Te Matuku Marine Reserve showing its boundaries
A land-based boundary marker
Marine reserve boundary GPS points (WGS 84)
- 36° 50' 48.91" S, 175° 06' 44.29" E
- 36° 51' 43.34" S, 175° 07' 23.54" E
- 36° 51' 43.01" S, 175° 09' 09.47" E
- 36° 50' 54.46" S, 175° 08' 37.86" E
Total fire ban on Hauraki Gulf islands
There is a total fire ban on islands in the Hauraki Gulf. The exceptions are Waiheke, Great Barrier, Kawau and Rakino, if you have a permit. Check the Auckland Council website.