Location
Key Information
| 2,164 km2 | MARINE AREA |
| 2,187 km2 | TOTAL AREA i |
Boundary: Ministry for Primary Industries (Unmodified)
2.0
July 2023
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Purpose
The Antipodes Island group is a complex of volcanic cones and vents. Sheer cliffs rise to a tussock strewn plateau. These cliffs continue beneath the waves where they support sessile (stationary) marine invertebrates in large numbers and a diverse array of seaweeds. To the south of the group the ocean drops away to a depth of 3000 m, some of the deepest waters in any New Zealand marine reserve. The marine reserve covers the entire territorial sea surrounding the islands (to 12 nautical miles). The islands themselves are protected as a Nature Reserve.
Species of Concern: Antipodean albatross, erect-crested penguin, astern rockhopper penguin, southern elephant seal, New Zealand fur seal, Antarctic cod
Regulations Summary
Restrictions
No take of marine life, shells, rocks or driftwood - Marine reserves are designated areas that are completely protected from the sea surface to the seafloor, including the foreshore.
According to the Marine Reserves Regulations, the following restrictions apply in all marine reserves:
1. No person shall, without lawful authority, dive in any area that has been closed to the public.
2. No person shall, without lawful authority, anchor any vessel
(a) in any area that has been closed to the public; or
(b) within 100 metres of any buoy moored.
3. A person must not operate a vessel in a reserve at a speed in excess of 5 knots if the vessel is within
(a) 30 metres of another vessel or a person in the water; or
(b) 200 metres of the shore; or
(c) 200 metres of any vessel that is flying flag “A” of the international code of signals (being the flag to indicate that a diver is below).
4. No person shall, without lawful authority, enter any area of a reserve that has been closed to the public.
Allowed
1. Any person may dive in the reserve except for those areas closed for research purposes.
2. Any person may anchor in the reserve in such a manner that damage to the reserve does not occur or is kept to the minimum practicable level.