Te Whanganui o Hei has its own snorkel trail in Gemstone Bay; designed to provide an easy and safe experience for people to discover the amazing marine life from under the water. Suitable for snorkelers of all ages, the trail includes information buoys with handles attached for snorkelers to hold on to.
The snorkel trail has marker buoys to identify the area, with each buoy equip with handles and information panels on the sides.The buoys have been anchored 50 to 165 metres off the shoreline of Gemstone Bay.
Access is via private boat access or with local guides. Cave Cruzer Adventure Tours, Mercury Bay Discoveries and The Glass Bottom Boat all offer the opportunity to snorkel and swim during your excursion. Cathedral Cove Dive and Snorkel and Dive Zone offer guided snorkel and dive trips every day throughout the summer season. Snorkelling gear can also be hired from Cathedral Cove Dive and Snorkel.
Hahei Explorer and Cathedral Cove Water Taxi may be able to drop off at Gemstone Bay.
The walking tracks to Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay are closed. They were damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Do not use these tracks.
Download Map - Te Whanganui o Hei Marine Reserve
When snorkelling in the marine reserve please remember:
Protect our marine reserves
- No fishing of any kind.
- Don't take or kill marine life.
- Don't remove or disturb any marine life or materials.
- Don't feed fish - it disturbs their natural behaviour.
- Take care when anchoring to avoid damaging the sea floor.
Where to Find Us
Location
Hahei
