At Warkworth, take the road to Leigh and follow the signs to the marine reserve. There are no public boat launching facilities in the marine reserve area. The nearest launching ramp to the marine reserve is in Omaha Cove, just below the township of Leigh. Boats are allowed to navigate and anchor carefully in the reserve, but owners need to be aware that dragging anchors can damage marine life. Extra caution may be needed in some areas because of the number of swimmers and divers present.
Marine reserves are areas of sea and foreshore where all marine life is totally protected.
Safe from fishing and other exploitation, fish, shellfish and other marine life can flourish, and degraded areas may be restored to their natural state. Visiting the Reserve Visitors to the marine reserve are welcome and activities like swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and picnicking are encouraged. The reserve offers some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving close to Auckland. However a number of other activities are prohibited or restricted to protect the marine life of the area. Fishing of any kind is an offence.