Our thriving coast and marine environment attracts a number of visitors to the region each year.
Coastal Facilities
The council manages numerous facilities to cater for visitors and residents alike. Our Coastal and Recreation Map shows:
- Boat ramps and wharves
- Surf Life Saving patrolled beaches
- Good surfing spots
- Ski lanes
- Snorkelling and diving spots
- Good areas for windsurfing
- recommended kayak routes
Reporting A Problem On Our Beaches
Maintenance of beaches in Rodney is very importance to us. Beach inspectors patrol Rodney beaches during the summer to uphold the bylaws relating to beaches, especially with regard to dog control. If you have a problem associated with any part of our shoreline please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Safe Boating
As a skipper of a vessel you are responsible for both your own safety, the safety of your crew, and you also have certain responsibilities to ensure the safety of other water users.
Fishing and Shellfish Collection
A number of prime fishing spots can be found throughout Rodney, however our fish habitats and breeding grounds are at risk from over-fishing and the effects of pollution and boating activities.
The Ministry of Fisheries is responsible for the management and monitoring of seafood collection and fishing and they offer the following advice to help conserve fish stocks and protect marine wildlife:
- Don’t take more than the daily limit.
- Don’t take undersized fish
- Don’t sell or trade your catch
- Dispose of unwanted fishing lines, nets and bait responsibly
For further information on seafood and fishing regulations, visit the Ministry of Fisheries website: www.fish.govt.nz or phone 0800 4 RULES (0800 478 537).
Marine Reserves
Rodney has two marine reserves administered by the Department of Conservation and a marine park.
On the East coast, the magical underwater world of Goat Island Marine Reserve is popular with divers and snorkelers keen to explore the diverse marine life and underwater cliffs and canyons just meters off the shore. To book an underwater guided tour visit www.goatislanddive.co.nz.
The Long Bay Marine Reserve is located just south of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
Tawharanui Regional Park is New Zealand's first integrated open sanctuary (mainland island) where farming, public recreation and conservation of native species combine. Native plants and animals including kiwi can live and breed successfully protected by a large predator-proof fence.
