Te Whanganui-a-Hei was established as a marine reserve in 1992, marking it as New Zealand’s sixth marine reserve and the first within the Coromandel region. The reserve spans nine square kilometres and prohibits all recreational and commercial fishing, allowing marine life to restore its natural balance. Like other marine reserves across New Zealand, Te Whanganui-a-Hei has played a significant role in rejuvenating marine ecosystems and replenishing fish stocks. The reserve is home to large schools of snapper, and other species like red moki, trevally and butterfish, and hiding under the kelp in the rocky crevices is an abundance of crayfish.

The management of this reserve is overseen by the Department of Conservation in collaboration with the Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve Committee. We at Mercury Bay Discoveries are committed to the protection of Te Whanganui-a-Hei marine reserve and work with the Department of Conservation in keeping fishing out of the area.

The Friends of Te Whanganui-O-Hei Marine Reserve Trust. This trust was established in 2010 and raises funds to develop the educational potential of the reserve. It proudly supports The Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust’s programme Experiencing Marine Reserves which is free to local area schools. The focus of the EMR programme (www.emr.org.nz) is to provide quality education opportunities, increasing awareness, and encouraging action and support for marine conservation in New Zealand.

For further information or to donate directly, please click the link below:
cathedralcovemarinereserve.org.nz – Te Whanganui a Hei Marine Reserve | Cathedral Cove, Hahei, The Coromandel, NZ