Seabirds of the Hauraki Gulf
The Hauraki Gulf is one of New Zealand’s outstanding areas of seabird and marine biodiversity, comparable to the subantarctic islands and the Kermadec Islands.
What makes the Hauraki Gulf unique is its massive Marine Park, which contains five marine reserves and an exceptional suite of islands, all on the doorstep of the largest metropolis in the South Pacific!
The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park (HGMP) was established under the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act (2000). It includes the foreshore and seabed of the Hauraki Gulf, Waitematā Harbour, Firth of Thames, and the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. This diverse region encompasses marine reserves, an internationally recognised wetland on the Firth of Thames at Miranda, and hundreds of islands ranging in size from Aotea/Great Barrier Island (27,761 ha) to significant stacks such as Māori Rocks (Mokohinau Islands) (0.24 and 0.18 ha), extending to all waters out to 12 nautical miles.
Worldwide, there are around 10,400 species of birds. Remarkably, only 359 of these are classified as seabirds. Seabirds breed on islands but spend most of their lives at sea. They are essentially marine creatures with unique physiological and morphological adaptations. Highly mobile, some species can travel from one side of an ocean to another. New Zealand, surrounded by productive oceans and isolated from mammalian predators for millions of years prior to human arrival, is ideally suited to seabirds. It is no surprise that the New Zealand archipelago boasts great seabird diversity, with 85 breeding species, 36 of which are endemic and found nowhere else in the world. Indeed, of the 359 seabird species worldwide, approximately one quarter breed in New Zealand, with 10% being endemic to New Zealand breeding grounds, making the country a world centre of seabird diversity.
All seabirds breeding within New Zealand are fully or, in a few cases, partially protected under the Wildlife Act 1953 and its amendments. Seabirds in the Wider Hauraki Gulf Region (WHGR) breed on numerous island and coastal sites managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), regional authorities, private landowners, and local iwi. Visitors seeking to explore these sites need to consult with landowners. The inshore and offshore islands of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland’s west coast are a lifeboat for seabird populations, with many areas administered by DOC.
The WHGR is vitally important to the economic, social, and cultural well-being of people from the greater Auckland region. As outlined, seabirds represent a jewel in the biodiversity crown of the WHGR. Understanding and protecting seabirds and their habitats significantly benefits both people and the environment.
Kayaking with Auckland Sea Kayaks: A Unique Birdwatching Experience
One of the best ways to experience the diverse birdlife of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is by joining a guided kayaking tour with Auckland Sea Kayaks. These tours offer a unique opportunity to see seabirds up close and personal while enjoying an immersive and eco-friendly tourism experience. Paddling through the pristine waters of the Gulf, kayakers can encounter a variety of seabirds, from the majestic gannets diving for fish to the playful petrels skimming the water’s surface.
Kayaking allows for a quiet approach, minimising disturbance to wildlife and providing a more intimate observation experience. Guided by knowledgeable local experts, participants can learn about the different species, their behaviours, and the conservation efforts in place to protect these vital creatures and their habitats.
Whether you are a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, a kayaking tour with Auckland Sea Kayaks offers an unforgettable adventure, combining the thrill of exploration with the joy of birdwatching in one of New Zealand’s most stunning natural settings. By choosing to kayak, you support sustainable tourism and contribute to the ongoing protection of the Hauraki Gulf’s rich biodiversity. This wildlife tour in Auckland is perfect for those passionate about birdwatching in Auckland, providing a unique perspective on the region’s incredible avian diversity.