Walk Details
NZ Walking Routes > Nelson > Motueka > Tonga Island Marine Reserve
Tonga Island Marine Reserve
- Location
The southern end of the marine reserve at Glenduan (known locally as “the Glen”) is only a short 13 km drive from Nelson. The reserve is accessible by foot from the Glen.
Cable Bay is located at the northern end of the marine reserve. A climb up the Cable Bay walkway through the neighbouring farmland rewards you with expansive views over much of the marine reserve and out across Tasman Bay.
- Description
Tonga Island Marine Reserve is the third marine reserve to be created alongside a national park. It covers an area of 1835 hectares.
The small estuary behind Onetahuti beach is a good place to see wading birds such as herons and oyster catchers, stalking fish or digging for shellfish. Wade into the water to see crabs scuttling across the sandy bottom and, in season, whitebait heading upstream to spawn in the extensive wetland behind.
At the southern end of the beach, the track climbs around a small headland to Tonga Quarry, where granite was quarried early this century.
Continue down the coast to the beautiful arches at Arch Point. There is a good variety of seaweeds here, visible at low water. There are also rock pools to investigate near Arch Point.
- Amenities
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- Birds
- Boat Ramp
- Camping
- Historical
- Huts
- Plant Life
- Swimming
- Source
- www.doc.govt.nz
- Discussion
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