Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve

Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve
Te Hāwere-a-Maki / Goat Island and surrounding waters, included with the Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve.
LocationNorth Island, New Zealand
Nearest cityLeigh
Coordinates36°15′55″S 174°47′52″E / 36.2652449°S 174.7978878°E / -36.2652449; 174.7978878
Area547 hectares (1,350 acres)
Established1975
Official Department of Conservation profile

Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve is a 5.5 km2 (2.1 sq mi) protected area in the North Island of New Zealand. All fishing, and the removal or disturbing of marine life or materials, is forbidden within the reserve.

The reserve covers an area of 547 ha (1,350 acres), extending from Cape Rodney to Okakari Point, extending 800m offshore. Te Hāwere-a-Maki / Goat Island lies within the reserve and Leigh is the closest town. It was created in 1975 as the first marine reserve in New Zealand.

Auckland University operates Leigh Marine Laboratory at the reserve. Laboratory scientists have scientific equipment around the reserve to study how marine ecosystems function.