White daisy anenomes. © Anna Barnett Creative Commons

Horoirangi Marine Reserve


View the map

TAP FOR MORE INFO:

The beautiful Horoirangi Marine Reserve lies north of Nelson city, along the eastern side of Tasman Bay. The reserve is a great place for walking, exploring the intertidal zone, snorkelling, diving, kayaking and boating.

The bluffs overlooking Horoirangi Marine Reserve are more than a dramatic landscape – they are also the source of rocks for the rugged boulder reefs below. The reefs extend offshore up to 400m and to a depth of around 20m.

The reefs support a typical array of animals. Shellfish, anemones, sponges and sea squirts cling to the rocks; snails, starfish and crustaceans move secretively amongst the boulders and various fish patrol above.

Yellow sponge at Hiroirangi Marine Reserve

Yellow sponge at Horoirangi Marine Reserve © Anna Barnett  Creative Commons

Ambush starfish are unusually common in Horoirangi, and their colours provide a sharp contrast to the subdued hues of the rocks and most of the other reef species.

 

A climb up Cable Bay Walkway through the neighbouring farmland will reward you with expansive views over Horoirangi and out across Tasman Bay.

A walk along the Nelson Boulder Bank is also worth the effort, though be prepared for windy conditions and rough, ankle-testing rocks.

 

Hiroirangi Boulder Bank

Boulder Bank. © Christopher John SSF Creative Commons

For bird watchers, variable oystercatchers and blue penguins nest along the rocky shoreline. Over winter, spotted shags roost on the rocky crags at Ataata Point.

Explore more...

More stories like this

Find out more

Activities

Nelson: living the good life

Tucked away at the top of the south, Nelson is a town of 50,000 people working hard at enjoying themselves.  Read the story . . . 

Find out more

Activities

Tasman: a taste of everything

Consistently enjoying the highest number of sunshine hours in the country, the rays beam down on a region producing an enormous variety of food and drink. Read the story . . . 

Find out more

Food and drink

Nelson kaimoana: enjoy the catch of the day

Nelson is the largest fishing port in Australasia, so you’d expect the kaimoana to be pretty good in these parts. Read the story . . . 

AA Members save on selected accommodation with
AA Traveller

AA Members
Book now
Non Members
Book now