Tonga Island Marine Reserve
Discover the Tonga Island Marine Reserve between Bark Bay and Awaroa Bay in the Abel Tasman National Park. Whether on a guided kayaking trip, snorkelling around the reef system, or sightseeing from the comfort of a boat, visiting the marine reserve is a truly mesmerising experience.
Fur seal at Tonga Island Marine Reserve Abel Tasman National Park 1
The playful seal population that bathes ostentatiously on the rocks offers the first glimpse into the abundance of marine life that you’ll discover around Tonga Island. Subsequently, a thriving environment of red rock crabs, crayfish, snapper, hermits, and kina thrives beneath the surface. Snorkellers will revel in the experience of diving between Tonga Quarry and Foul Point, while scuba diving is most rewarding around the Tonga Island reef.
Kayak guides and boat skippers have become experts in identifying movement around the marine reserve. They will often point out little blue penguins, shags, gannets and dolphins when they make an occasional appearance in the area.
Kayak guides and boat skippers have become experts in identifying movement around the marine reserve. They will often point out little blue penguins, shags, gannets and dolphins when they make an occasional appearance in the area.