Tonga Island

  • Home of the NZ fur seals "Kekeno"

  • Tonga means south and is also the name of the marine reserve

Tonga Island is legendary as a seal hot-spot. (Please remember that seals must not be approached closer than 20 metres and you can not land on the island).Tonga Island is part of the Marine Reserve, only the third marine reserve to be created alongside a national park. It covers an area of 1835 hectares, extending one nautical mile (1852 metres) offshore from the mean high water mark of Tonga Island, and the coast between Awaroa Head and the headland separating Bark Bay and Mosquito Bay. The marine reserve protects all marine life within its boundaries, benefiting not just fish and shellfish, but also animals like seals, penguins and other seabirds that live on the land but feed in the sea. (Information courtesy of Department of Conservation).
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Tonga Island with Onetahuti Beach in the background

     

    Trips that include Tonga Island

    Select an item from below to view it on the map.

    • Totaranui Day Out$55.00

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      Depart Totaranui to Bark Bay or Tonga (via the Seal Colony), walk to Awaroa and catch the return Aqua Taxi to Totaranui.

      Start: Totaranui

      Finish: Totaranui

    • Falls River$70.00

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      Take a scenic Aqua Taxi from Totaranui to Torrent Bay and then walk north to Bark Bay. Return from Bark Bay on the Aqua Taxi arriving at Totaranui.

      Start: Totaranui

      Finish: Totaranui

    • Seals and Sand$72.00

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      Aqua Taxi to Tonga (Onetahuti Bay) via the seal colony, walk to Anchorage Bay (4.5 hrs) or Torrent Bay (3.5hrs / by prior arrangement) to meet the Aqua Taxi again.

      Start: Marahau & Kaiteriteri

      Finish: Marahau & Kaiteriteri

    • Three Hour Scenic Cruise$74.00

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      A comprehensive round trip visiting all points of interest along the sparkling bays and golden beaches of the Park. The friendly fur seals of Tonga Island are a highlight.

      Start: Marahau & Kaiteriteri

      Finish: Marahau & Kaiteriteri

    • Totaranui Scenic Cruise$74.00

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      Board at Totaranui for a scenic cruise to Marahau. Bring your lunch or dine at one of the local cafes. Depart Marahau after lunch and return to Totaranui.

      Start: Totaranui

      Finish: Totaranui

    • Awaroa Escape$78.00

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      Aqua Taxi to Bark Bay or Tonga (Onetahuti Beach) and then walk to Awaroa Bay (3hrs from Bark Bay, 1hr from Tonga) where you may purchase a delicious lunch at the Awaroa Lodge (cafe booking advisable).

      Start: Marahau & Kaiteriteri

      Finish: Marahau & Kaiteriteri

    • Slice of Paradise$79.00

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      Travel the length of the park to Totaranui and back to Bark Bay for a 3.5 hr walk to Anchorage Bay.

      Start: Marahau & Kaiteriteri

      Finish: Marahau & Kaiteriteri

    • Rata Trail$81.00

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      Aqua Taxi to Totaranui, walk to Awaroa (2 hrs) where you can purchase lunch (booking advisable). A highly recommended walk but only possible when low tide falls between 11:00am and 4:00pm.

      Start: Marahau & Kaiteriteri

      Finish: Marahau & Kaiteriteri

    • Remote Getaway$90.00

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      Catch the morning Aqua Taxi to Mutton Cove and walk to Totaranui (2.5hrs).

      Start: Marahau & Kaiteriteri

      Finish: Marahau & Kaiteriteri