Te Kohuroa Spotlighting and Night Snorkel

What creatures of the night are hiding in our awa and around our rocky reef? We will be exploring the many hidden treasures of Matheson Bay both above and in the water. We welcome all curious minds to discover Te Kohuroa's nightlife by either snorkelling or by going on a stream connection walk with your torch (this is known as spotlighting).

For the best experience of Te Kohuroa, we recommend doing both activities!

Registrations essential.

This event is run in partnership with Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative and is funded by The Auckland Council and Foundation North.

Friday 30th January 2026

There are two activities and two time slots to choose from

Snorkelling

• 6.30pm to 8.15pm - Twilight snorkel
• 8.15pm to 9.45pm - Night snorkel

Stream walks

• 6.30pm to 8.15pm - Twilight stream walk
• 8.15pm to 9.45pm - Spotlighting stream walk

[Please arrive 15 mins prior to your start time to sign in at the event tent.]

Matheson Bay Reserve, Leigh [please meet at the end of Matheson Bay Road side of the Reserve].

Google maps link

Snorkelling

This activity is for people with prior snorkelling experience and moderate to strong swimming ability. We love families and we hate to disappoint, but children must be 12 years and older to take part in this activity.

Bring your own snorkel gear or get free hire of our mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuits. Experienced guides and advanced safety procedures will be in place throughout the evening.

Spotlighting

This land-based activity is suitable for tamariki 5 years and older.

We recommend bringing your own torch (our guides will have high powered torches to assist with viewing wildlife), and covered footwear such as gumboots are essential.

About Te Kohuroa Rewilding

Te Kohuroa Rewilding is a community-led project working to restore the marine ecosystem at Matheson Bay. Our community is working with iwi, organisations and local groups to build a ground-up approach to healing Te Kohuroa Matheson Bay’s marine ecosystem through a long-term programme of voluntary restoration.

Learn more about our kaupapa here: www.tekohuroarewilding.org.

Diversity and inclusion statement

Te Kohuroa Rewilding believes in a 'whole-community' approach to rewilding participation, and works to create pathways for people with diverse backgrounds and needs. If you require support to participate in this event, please contact our project team at [email protected] to discuss how we can help.

A no-show is a missed opportunty for someone else. If you give less than 24 hours notice that you are unable to make it, or do not show up, an invoice of $20 per person may be issued.

Not sure about spotlighting? The short video below will give you a glimpse into our spotlighing event near Mairangi Bay last year.

You can help Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust keep running our series of free and subsidised events by showing your support. We welcome cash or electronic koha (donations) on the day. Or send a donation via our website! We also have an awesome team of volunteers helping at events and welcome new volunteers. Please let us know if you'd like be to involved!

This event is part of our annual series of events. Please see the Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust's Event Listings page for more fun events in the Auckland region and beyond!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Matheson Bay Reserve, 69 Grand View Road, Leigh, New Zealand

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

Get App