Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve by Campervan: Snorkelling and Diving at Cathedral Cove
Quick summary: For campervan travellers, Cathedral Cove’s marine reserve is one of the easiest places in New Zealand to snorkel among abundant fish. Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve protects the sea around Cathedral Cove and Hahei, where fishing is banned and marine life has flourished, with snapper, blue maomao, crayfish and stingrays among the residents. Gemstone Bay has a marked snorkel trail, and guided snorkel and dive tours leave from Hahei and Whitianga, an easy outing from a campervan or motorhome base.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where | The coast around Cathedral Cove and Hahei |
| Protected since | The 1990s |
| Best snorkel spot | Gemstone Bay, with a marked snorkel trail |
| Marine life | Snapper, blue maomao, crayfish, stingrays, kelp forests |
| Rules | No fishing or taking anything, living or dead |
| Tours | Marine reserve tours, snorkel and dive tours |
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Why is the marine reserve so good for snorkelling?
Because protection works. Since fishing stopped, fish have grown larger and more numerous, and they’re used to people, so snorkellers often swim among schools of fish close to shore. The reserve’s rocky reefs, kelp forests, sandy bays and sheltered coves give a variety of habitats within a short swim of the beach.
Where can you snorkel?
| Spot | What’s there |
|---|---|
| Gemstone Bay | A marked snorkel trail with buoys and information, on a rocky shore |
| Stingray Bay | A sandy bay where stingrays are often seen |
| Cathedral Cove | Clear water around the rocks on calm days |
| Offshore islands and reefs | Reached on boat and dive tours |
Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay are reached by side tracks off the walk from Hahei. See getting to Cathedral Cove.
Should you snorkel independently or on a tour?
Both work. Independent snorkelling at Gemstone Bay is easy for confident swimmers in calm conditions. Guided tours provide wetsuits, masks and fins, take you by boat to the best spots, and explain what you’re seeing. Divers can join guided dives on the reserve’s reefs. Browse snorkel and dive tours and marine reserve tours.
Can you rinse gear and dry off at the RV?
Yes, and a campervan makes snorkelling easy. Stay at a Hahei holiday park, walk to the bays, and come back to a hot shower and somewhere to hang wet gear. Keep a bucket or tub in the vehicle for rinsing masks and fins, and dry wetsuits outside rather than inside the vehicle.
What are the reserve rules?
- No fishing, of any kind.
- Don’t take anything, including shells, rocks and seaweed.
- Don’t feed the fish.
- Don’t disturb marine life, and avoid standing on reefs.
- Anchor carefully if you’re on a private boat.
What should you know about safety?
The water is cool for much of the year, so a wetsuit is a good idea. Snorkel only in calm conditions, stay close to shore, and snorkel with a buddy. Watch for boats near the cove, and avoid swimming under the cliffs. See visiting safely.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The cove lies within a marine reserve, and Gemstone Bay nearby has a marked snorkel trail.
Snapper, blue maomao, crayfish and stingrays are common, along with many other reef fish.
No. Fishing and taking anything, living or dead, is banned in the marine reserve.
It is a good idea, as the water is cool for much of the year. Tours usually provide wetsuits.
Yes. Guided snorkel and dive tours leave from Hahei and Whitianga.