Hauraki Gulf marine patrols move towards stronger enforcement

DOC is moving towards stronger enforcement of Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana marine protections this summer, following a year focused on explaining the new areas and rules.

Its 22 October 2026 announcement says 34 rangers will work during peak summer, supported by boat and shore patrols, cameras and drones. Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve, Kawau Bay High Protection Area and The Noises High Protection Area are among the locations receiving particular attention.

Check the area before you fish

Marine reserves and high protection areas prohibit recreational fishing and taking seafood. Seafloor protection areas have different restrictions: some low-impact fishing is allowed, but fisheries rules and local closures still apply.

DOC says fishing infringements in a marine reserve or high protection area start at $600. Update chart plotters and check DOC's current rules and area information before leaving. A nearby boat fishing is not proof that fishing is permitted.

The additional protected areas took effect on 25 October 2025. This announcement concerns enforcement for their second summer, rather than a new set of boundaries.

Sources and credits

DOC announcement, 22 October 2026; current protected-area rules.

Photo: Long Bay Beach, russellstreet, 8 November 2013, CC BY-SA 2.0. Historical location photograph, not a photograph of the 2026 patrols. Resized for display; photograph remains under the same licence.