Boating in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
An updated Controlled Area Notice (CAN) is in place over parts of Aotea Great Barrier Island and Ahuahu Great Mercury Island with changed restrictions on anchoring and fishing. While we recommend avoiding these areas as much as possible, if you do visit them, please ensure you are familiar with the specific restrictions in each location that affect activities like anchoring and fishing.
For any updates visit www.biosecurity.govt.nz/caulerpa
Aotea Great Barrier Island
Throughout the CAN area, there are restrictions on some fishing activities that make contact with the seafloor (and can therefore spread exotic caulerpa) – for example using flounder nets, dredging, or bottom trawling.
Anchoring is not allowed without a specific permit from Biosecurity New Zealand or in specific emergency circumstances throughout the CAN area with the exception of Port Fitzroy.
Anchoring is allowed in Port Fitzroy (in yellow on map) without a permit. Fishing restrictions apply. Vessel operators required to check their anchor and chain and any other fishing or dive equipment before moving to another area. Any seaweed found must be removed and securely contained, then disposed of on land. If it can’t be safely stored and disposed of, it must be returned to the waters it came from before moving on.
Ahuahu Great Mercury Island
The same fishing rules apply as at Aotea Great Barrier Island (above)
Anchoring is allowed in the controlled area, however, vessel operators are required to check and clean the anchor and chain and any fishing or diving gear before moving to another area.
Any seaweed found must be removed and securely contained, then disposed of on land. If it can’t be safely stored and disposed of, it must be returned to the waters it came from before moving on.
Waiheke Island
On Waiheke Island, Ngāti Paoa has imposed a rāhui on disturbing the seabed or anchoring within 1 nautical mile (1.8 kilometres) of Thompson’s Point or Onetangi Bay.
While there are no restrictions at Iris Shoal at Kawau, please be vigilant about checking your anchors and equipment for any seaweed before you move your boat and avoid the area if possible.