If you are looking for activities for your kids to get involved in this summer, this is a fantastic opportunity for them to safely explore the mōana, develop in-water confidence and learn about our marine envrionment while having a whale of a time.

We are able to offer a full day of activities for 20 kids per day. Maybe your on holiday near by, maybe your a local and your tamariki have been keen to learn more about the marine reserve and how we can better understand it's impact? Activities will be focused on tamariki getting into the ocean to learn first hand what a special environment this is and how we can look after it.

The day will involve 2 snorkels, rockpooling, guided stream walk and citizen science. . The day will involve 2 snorkels at Te-Hāwere-a-Maki, rockpooling and a stream walk. Tamariki will learn about the wildlife that call this reserve home, local conservation initiatives and contirbute to collecting valuable data about the reserve.

The chance to spot spotties, tāmure/snapper, whai repo/eagle rays, red moki and many more.

All activities are weather dependant & the locations may switch. Whangateau estuary may also be used as a back up location (tide dependant). Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) will make the best judgment on the day due to sea conditions on which locations/activities will be used. In the event of unsuitable weather the event will be cancelled.

Refunds are not guaranteed, unless EMR cancels the event. Any last minute cancelations by participants(less than 7 days prior to event) will not be refunded. (unless there are extenuating circumstances).

These events have been subsidised thanks to Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa.

Whats included?

- Instruction from 2 endorsed EMR coordinators

- Wetsuit, fins, mask and snorkel

- Body boards

- All activities (snorkeling, nature walks, rockpooling)

Whats not included?

- Food and water (please bring lunch, snacks and water)

- Transportation

Need to pack:

- Togs

- Towel

- Dry clothes

- Suncream

- Hat

- Food and drink

- Personal medication

- Shoes (not jandals)

Timings for the events (subject to change):

9.30am Meeting on site at Goat Island marine reserve

9.30am - 9.45am Welcome, karakia, whakawhanaungatanga

9.45am - 10.45am Rockpooling and MM2

10.45am - 11.15am Sharing of the taonga box, fish ID and morning tea

11.15am - 12.45pm Snorkel based fish survey

12.45pm - 1.15pm Lunch

1.15pm - 2.00pm Guided walk along the awa and water testing

2.00pm - 3.30pm Guided snorkel at Goat Island

3.30pm - 4.00pm Debrief

Make sure you take all rubbish home with you. This is a marine reserve so leave all shells/sticks and of course marine life behind where it belongs :)

Experiencing Marine Reserves runs a series of free and subsidised events throughout the year - we rely on your support to make them happen. We appreciate donations, either cash/eftpos on the day, online or by giving a koha of your time volunteering at a future event.

If you are unwell or isolating please do not attend this event.

Check out our Snorkel FAQs below or here: https://www.mountainstosea.org.nz/faq