Sugarloaf Islands Marine Park New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand

“Taranaki’s underwater wonderland” A unique habitat for marine life, sea birds and plants. Rich in both Maori and European history… .........“Inside Taranaki…”

Sunset

Haupuka Rock Crayfish

Haupuka Rock Anenomes

Motumahanga

Port Taranaki

Seal

Saddleback Island Blue Eyed Triplefin

Seal Rock Diving

Seal

Saddleback Island Chromodoris Amoena

Sugar Loaf Marine Park water charter

Happy Chaddy's Charters .
	Visit the marine park with Chaddy's Charters, Cameras essential!! Enjoy the volcanic remnants on the coast.

SUGAR LOAF ISLANDS (NGA MOTU) Conservation Area. The islands are just offshore from New Plymouth City and provide a unique habitat for marine life, seabirds and plants. They are rich in both Maori and European history, evidence of which can be seen still. The area has been protected since 1986 when local interest groups saw a need for formal protection and with a subsequent threat of petroleum prospecting, special legislation was enacted in 1991, which gives even greater protection. Seven islands and several reefs comprise the above-water habitat while below the surface, there are spectacular cliffs, canyons, boulder reefs and sand expanses. All are rich in natural species. The diversity of fish life is greater than most areas. Seals and oceanic seabirds breed here, dolphins and whales regularly pass through, and at least two threatened plant species are found on the islands. Barry Hartley.

Bird Life

Lion Rock Fur Seal

Paritutu Motumahanga Island

The Sugar Loaf Islands are eroded remnants of an early volcanic centre. Upthrusts from the volcanic layers formed the landscape both above and below the sea. Motoroa, Motumahanga (Seal Rocks) and Wharemu (Lion Road) are all wildlife sanctuaries. No person may land on these islands or remove plant or wildlife. Captain Cook named the Islands in 1770 and a whaling station was established on Motoroa Island in the 1820s. In 1881 the needs of a developing New Plymouth settlement were met with the construction of the West Coasts only deep water harbour. Happy Chaddy's Charters are willing to tour you around the Sugar Loaf Islands and if you want to break the surface and reach the underwater world of the Marine Park, Local Diving providers will be happy to accommodate you with your requirements.