Image: Stewart Robertson | DOC
The golden sand of Tonga Island Marine Reserve with Tonga Island in the distance.
Tonga Island Marine Reserve

Located in the Nelson/Tasman region

Tonga Island Marine Reserve is renowned for its golden sand beaches, intimate coves, and excellent summer weather. Enjoy swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking along the coast of the Abel Tasman National Park.

Tonga Island Marine Reserve was established in November 1993. It covers an area of 1835 hectares.

Tonga Island Marine Reserve is not accessible by vehicles.

The nearest boat ramp is at Tōtaranui, 5 km north of Awaroa Head. There are others at Tarakohe near Tākaka, and at Kaiteriteri and Marahau in the south.

Water users should be wary of unmarked reefs and tidal changes. Sea conditions are often calm in winter but stiff sea breezes occur daily in summer and there is little shelter to be found along rocky sections of the coastline during storms.  

Before setting out, check the tide tables because it is only safe to cross Awaroa Inlet within one hour 30 minutes before low tide and two hours after.  

From Awaroa Hut, head east to the mouth of Venture Creek and climb up to Tonga Saddle. From here there is an easy descent to Onetahuti Beach - your first contact with the marine reserve.

Tonga Island lies directly offshore from here. 

If this visit is part of your Great Walks experience, see Abel Tasman Coast Track for a map.
  • Before you board the boat or start the Abel Tasman Coast Track check for pests, such as mice, rats, non-native ants and weeds.
  • Water users should also be wary of unmarked reefs and beaching due to tidal changes of up to 5 m.
  • Remember to keep your distance from seals (at least 20 m) – they can move fast and bite. Read more at Sharing our coasts with marine mammals.
  • Camping must be in a designated campsite and be booked online. Camping on the beach is not permitted. Find a campsites

Tonga Island Marine Reserve is known for its crystal-clear water and thriving marine ecosystem. New Zealand fur seals breed all along the rocky foreshores and islands of the reserve. Be aware that breeding season is from October through January – please keep your distance and give them space. 

While at sea you have the chance of seeing Bottlenose, Hector’s, Common, and Dusky dolphins that frequent these waters. Keep your eyes peeled for the occasional orcas too! 

The ecosystem supports thriving populations of shorebirds from oyster catchers to shags – it’s a place you have to see to believe.

Read more about the birds and wildlife in the area.

Community and partnerships

From taking schools and community groups out for snorkelling days to beach clean ups and hosting marine education forums, Tasman Bay Guardians work to involve the community in conservation of the area.

We also work closely with partners through the Top of the South Marine Biosecurity Partnership to manage the threat of marine pests.

Reporting pests

Find-A-Pest lets you report potential pest species, including marine, plant, animal and fungal species.

If you come across something out of the ordinary, upload a picture to the app and a specialist will help identify it. If it's a biosecurity threat, this will be forwarded to Biosecurity New Zealand. If possible, take photos and record the location and name of the vessel.

Or call the Ministry for Primary Industries' Pest and Diseases hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

Report illegal or suspicious activity

Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve - it's illegal. If you see people taking anything from the reserve, report the activity as soon as possible.

You can call 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224) or 0800 DOCHOT (0800 362 468).

It is also an offence to pollute or litter the reserve, discharge any firearm in or into the reserve or erect any structure in the reserve.