The Island itself has a natural charm and beauty which attracts many visitors. Except for one small settlement, it is undeveloped and covered in forest dominated by tall pohutukawa. Rules and Regulations All fishing and removing or disturbing marine life or other natural features is strictly prohibited within the reserve. This does not apply to kingfish. Boating, swimming, diving and snorkelling are all encouraged within the reserve in fact all recreational, educational and scientific activities are allowed provided they do not disturb or endanger plants, animals and natural features.
Boats can navigate freely throughout the area and there are currently no restrictions on anchoring.
The reserve adjoins a restricted fishing area extending one nautical mile offshore around the rest of the island. Normal daily limits apply. At the western end of the marine reserve a jagged reef with angular boulders slopes off steeply to the northwest from Tumutu Point. To the east of this within Opoupoto Bay, a sandy bottom with projecting boulders extends from a shoreline formed of vertical, column-like lavas which give rise to the other name of Cathedral Bay. There are almost continuous canopies of kelp forest over these shaded and sheltered crevices.