New marine protections in the Hauraki Gulf

It has recently been announced that the new Hauraki Gulf marine protection rules are here

‍From Labour Weekend Friday 25th October 2025, new marine protection laws are in place across parts of the Hauraki Gulf — including areas in Northern Coromandel.

The good news is — there are still plenty of incredible spots to fish, dive and explore around the Northern Coromandel!  The Southern Motukawao Islands, and beyond are still serving up the magic we all love.

Here’s what you need to know before heading out on the water.......

What’s changed?

New High Protection Areas (HPAs) and Seafloor Protection Areas (SPAs) have been introduced to help restore marine habitats and fish stocks. These zones restrict or prohibit certain types of fishing and seabed activity.

High protection areas

• No recreational or commercial fishing.
• No dumping or discharge of waste, sewage or litter.
• Take no more than a handful of shell, sand or driftwood.
• Anchoring is allowed.
• Certain Māori customary practices are allowed.

Some protection areas have exceptions to these rules.

Seafloor protection areas

• Only low impact fishing is allowed, such as line or spear fishing, harvesting by hand.
• No bottom trawling, dredging, Danish seining.
• No dumping or discharge of waste, sewage or litter.
• Take care when anchoring to avoid damage to the seafloor.
• Set netting, potting and bottom longlining are not allowed in parts of Mokohīnau Islands SPA.

See full rules here

Where are these new zones?

The closest HPA to Anglers Lodge is the Northern part of the Motukawao Island Group. There is another HPA and also SPA at Cape Colville
Others are dotted around the inner Gulf and offshore islands.

View all of the official DOC maps and GPS coordinates here - click here

DOC - Motukawao HPA

DOC - Cape Colville HPA and SPA

‍Motukawao HPA

This area reaches onshore from the Northern end of Waitete Bay to approx. Opuhi rocks just before Te Whau point - the entrance to Colville Harbour. It reaches out to encompass  Motukahaua Island (Happy Jacks/Elephant Cove) and Motupotaka (Black Rocks)

Can I still go fishing near Anglers Lodge?

Yes, absolutely! There are still plenty of great fishing spots open all around the Southern Islands in the Motokawao Group, and the northern Gulf.
Just make sure you’re aware of the new boundaries before heading out — we’re happy to point you in the right direction when you check in.

Can I still go rock hopping?

Yes, absolutely! There are still lots of great rock fishing options outside the High Protection Areas. Our Skipper Dawson can provide expert local knowledge on the best spots!

What are the new protections designed to do?

• 12 high protection areas (HPAs) – these areas protect and restore marine habitats and ecosystems. They allow active restoration of the underwater habitat.
• 5 seafloor protection areas (SPAs) – these areas protect seafloor habitats. But they still allow for activities that do not damage them, such as non-bottom contacting fishing.

See the DOC website for more detailed information  

-DOC - Revitalising the Gulf

-DOC - Technical Analysis of the Marine Protection proposals

If you have any questions about the new protection areas DOC has a range of information on their website, but do feel free to get in touch with us here at Anglers Lodge Coromandel to help you plan your next on the water adventure!