This 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. At the northern and southern ends of the reserve water depth generally does not exceed 24 metres but between the Aramoana and Blackhead campgrounds it extends out to at least 33 metres deep.

Aquatic Life:

Distinctive plants and animals include the golden limpet, and large beds of Neptune's necklace, pink coralline seaweed and eel grass. Small fish, crabs, juvenile paua and kina inhabit the rock pools.

Offshore the presence of the warm East Cape Current and the colder Southland Current means many typically "northern" and "southern" marine species occur in the reserve. Sometimes these can even be seen swimming together, or sheltering in the same crevice.

The east coast between East Cape and Cook Strait also has very high rates of larval rock lobster settlement. As a result rock lobsters form a conspicuous and important part of the reef community.

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:

Turn off SH2 at Waipawa or Waipukurau. From Waipawa, turn east into Tamumu Road. Approximately 2km down this road the name will change to Pourerere Road. Just before Pourerere Beach on the right is Aramoana Road. It is a no exit road. Head southeast from Waipukurau on Tavistock Road which becomes Farm Road, and follow the signs from there to Blackhead Beach. Te Angiangi Marine Reserve runs between Blackhead & Aramoana Beaches. The drive from Waipawa and Waipukurau is about 30 minutes.