Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve is part of the area first claimed by Hei, a Tauira on the Te Arawa waka at the time of Polynesian migration to New Zealand, approximately 1350AD. The reserve covers 9km between Hahei and Cook Bluff. 

The Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve plays host to rich marine and coastal life, with the site having been chosen for the varied habitats associated with the coastline and outlying islands. The shallow waters of Stingray Bay and Mahurangi are hugely popular for snorkelling, as well as Gemstone Bay which has it's own snorkel trail marked by information buoys. 

Know before you visit Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve: 

• Take care to avoid damaging underwater features or marine life

• Fishing or removal of any plants, animals, shells, rocks is not permitted within reserve

• Do not feed the fish in the reserve

• Boaties must take care if anchoring