Reotahi Marine Reserve Snorkel Day

Come and explore the Reotahi Marine Reserve from below the waterline with the Mountains to Sea team. Join us for a day of snorkelling with our experienced volunteer guides. Fun for the whole whānau.

We are once again offering snorkel trips through the reserve at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Beginner: This trip will focus on the shallow waters near the reserve's main beach, which is great for young or nervous swimmers who want to try it.

Intermediate: This trip will focus on slightly deeper rocky reef areas farther into the reserve, which are great for more enthusiastic or older swimmers.

Advanced: This trip will focus on the outer edges of the reserve, which experience greater tidal pull and deeper water. This is great for confident, able-bodied, and experienced snorkelers.

Pre-registrations are not essential but to gaurantee your spot we suggest booking in for the appropriate time slot.

Please choose a trip that suits your skill level. Spots are limited, and vetting will be done for health and safety reasons. We would hate to offend anyone by refusing on the day.

This event is funded by Freemasons New Zealand, Whangārei Lodge, Hatea 431.A sausage sizzle will be provided by Freemasons NZ for attendees. SeaWeek has sponsored Spot Prizes, which will be drawn after the event; winners will be notified.

Please email [email protected] if you have any specific questions about this event.

When: Saturday 28th February 2026.

Snorkelling time slots (Please see skill description above)

Please arrive 15 minutes before your start time to allow time to sign in and have your snorkel equipment fitted.

Slot 1 Beginner/Novice: 11 am

Slot 2 Intermediate/Competent: 12.30 pm

Slot 3 Advanced/Experienced: 2.15 pm

What to Bring: Footwear for walking down the stone path to the beach, Togs for Snorkelling, Sunscreen, and water.

All snorkelling gear is provided for free, including a wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins. (Welcome to bring your own; children under 18 must have a full wetsuit.)

Where: Reotahi Marine Reserve, Reotahi overnight camping carpark.

You will see the Mountains To Sea gazebo set-up as well as a teardrop flag!

Cancellation Policy:

You will be emailed a reminder 7 days prior to the event to confirm your attendance. If you are no longer able to attend, please cancel/refund your ticket so other attendees can use it.

We require at least 48 hours' notice if you are no longer able to attend. The Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust - Experiencing Marine Reserves programme reserves the right to charge a fee for any 'no shows' for events requiring free bookings, such as this event. This is because late cancellations or 'no shows' affect our ability to offer free events like this in the future!

Mountains To Sea Conservation Trust 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.

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

The minimum age for our Snorkelling events is 4 years old. All children under 16 must have an adult over 16 accompanying them in the water.

What are my transportation and parking options for getting to and from the event?

There is parking available in the gravel car park at the reserve.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

You can email the organiser Tracey at [email protected] or 027 8230299

Info: This trip will focus on the shallow waters near the reserve's main beach, which is great for young or nervous swimmers who want to try it.

Info: This trip will focus on slightly deeper rocky reef areas farther into the reserve, which are great for more enthusiastic or older swimmers.

Info: This trip will focus on the outer edges of the reserve, which experience greater tidal pull and deeper water. This is great for confident, able-bodied, and experienced snorkelers.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Reotahi - Overnight Campervan Parking, Reotahi, Whangarei Heads, New Zealand

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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