The boulder reef is a distinctive feature of this reserve and is interspersed with patches of bedrock reef. The boulder reef is more dominant in the southern end of the reserve. The many cracks and crevices create excellent habitat for local marine life to shelter in. Further out reefs give way to soft sediments with a mixture of mud, sand, shell and gravel.

Aquatic Life:

Common fish species include banded wrasse, spotties, triplefins, goatfish, blue cod, blue moki and tarakihi. Snapper are also occasionally seen.

Sponges provide a colourful cloak along the outer edges of the reef and in deeper areas. Make sure you investigate the many cracks and crevices where rock lobster are known to lurk.

Other invertebrates include sea squirts, starfish, anenomes, snails, hermit crabs, urchins and brittle stars. Ambush starfish in a range of bright colours are also a regular sight in this reserve.

Warnings:

This site is a marine reserve. All life and natural features are totally protected. It is illegal to take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve and anyone who commits an offence may be subject to a fine of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment. It is also an offence to pollute or litter the reserve, discharge any firearm in or into the reserve or erect any structure in the reserve.

Directions:

From Nelson head northeast on State Highway 6 for 11kms to Whakapuaka. Take a left onto Glen Rd and follow to the end (turns into Seafield Tce), about 2.5kms. The best diving is in the northern end of the reserve, particularly around Ataata Point.