Te Paepae o Aotea (Volkner Rocks) Marine Reserve
Te Paepae o Aotea (Volkner Rocks) Marine Reserve is a protected area in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. It covers 1,267 hectares (3,130 acres) and was created on 9 October 2006. The reserve sits about 55 kilometres north-northwest of Whakatāne and 5 kilometres northwest of Whakaari/White Island. The rocky tops rise from 400 metres below the sea, creating many habitats. Clear water and warm currents bring a variety of sea life, including the rare firebrick starfish, diadema urchin, Spanish lobster and packhorse crayfish.
Te Paepae o Aotea is culturally important to Ngāti Awa and other iwi connected to the Mātaatua waka. It was used as a landmark to show land was nearby, and spirits are said to depart from here to join their ancestors.
The reserve is managed by the Department of Conservation. It can only be visited by boat, with charter boats and tours available for diving and sightseeing. It is best to go in calm sea conditions, and boats longer than seven metres are advised. Underwater visibility is usually good, but can be reduced during phytoplankton blooms. The reserve is popular for snorkelling and diving.
Banned activities include fishing, taking or killing marine life, and removing any plants or animals or materials from the area. Do not feed fish, and be careful when anchoring to avoid damaging the sea floor.
The rocks were once used as a bombing range by the New Zealand Air Force, and some old ordnance may still be present.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 18:47 (CET).