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Swimming Pools

Taputeranga Snorkel Trail

📍 Island Bay, Wellington

★4.8(17 Google reviews)💰Free👶5+

The Taputeranga Snorkel Trail at Island Bay gives access to a kelp forest reef inside Taputeranga Marine Reserve. Species regularly sighted include spotted wrasse, blue moki, banded wrasse, paua, kōura and octopus.

✓ free entry✓ marine reserve✓ kelp forest✓ paua and wrasse✓ guided snorkel days✓ Island Bay

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Children who snorkel here with a guide come away genuinely excited - the fish are large and unhurried rather than skittish, and the reef is close enough to shore for supervised kids to reach comfortably. Check Wellington Mountain to Sea's schedule for free guided days with gear included. Suited to age 5 and above who are comfortable in open water.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Follow Wellington Mountain to Sea on social media to catch free guided snorkel day announcements - gear is included.
⏰Visit on a calm day - Cook Strait conditions affect water clarity and safety at the reef.
🎟️Bring your own wetsuit in cooler months; the water temperature drops significantly outside summer.

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.8
★★★★★

17 Google reviews

5★
13
4★
4
3★
0
2★
0
1★
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G Reviews from Google

D

Dorje Mckinnon

5 months ago

★★★★★

“After checking the LAWA and Wellington water websites, as well as talking to Tim at Island bay divers ( who can rent you snorkel gear if you need it) I braved the water and waste. What a delight. I'd highly recommend this for anyone with kids or even a slight interest in the sea. I saw 10s of Crayfish, from little ones to monsters all in 1 to 2m of water. There were massive Paua and Whelks everywhere. 1m long Kingfish and large moki and tarakihi. Wonderful helps and seawèds of all varieties. The only disappointments were the lack of octopus and nudibranks. Ill definitely be coming back.”

J

Jonas Goodwin (Jonas)

10 months ago

★★★★★

“The lush kelp and large mellow fish make this very worth while. I saw spotted wrasse, blue moki, banded wrasse, paua, and koura among other smaller fish and rock creatures. Keep an eye out for octopus as well. The tall rocks and channels create interesting hiding spots just inviting curiosity and exploration.”

M

Moira Clenaghan

4 years ago

★★★★★

“My favourite go to along the coast. Parking area can get a little busy on a sunny day especially when there is a group dive happening. There is a picnic table, seating and a rubbish bin. Popular for snorkeling as there is a reef close to shore and sealife numbers are increasing in the reserve”

📊 Commonly mentioned in Google reviews

Based on Google review tags

Marine life

4 reviews

Fish

3 reviews

Snorkeling

3 reviews

Walking

2 reviews

Paua

2 reviews

Overview

The reef at Taputeranga sits close to shore, making it accessible for confident child swimmers from around age 5. Kelp forests, rocky channels and increasing fish populations reward exploration - the fish are large, mellow and curious. A local non-profit, Wellington Mountain to Sea, periodically runs free guided snorkel days with equipment provided and a guide per group. A picnic table, seating and rubbish bin are on site. Free parking available adjacent.

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