People can gain a glimpse into one of Wellington’s most protected and flourishing marine habitats this weekend with a free guided snorkel excursion, thanks to a local conservation group.
Mountains to Sea Wellington is hosting two free community snorkel excursions into the Taputeranga Marine Reserve at Princess Bay, on this Saturday and next.
Programme coordinator Joe Warmington said these snorkel events, running since 2008, were the highlight of their summer season.
“We love getting first timers – that is one the joys of the job, putting someone in a place where they wouldn’t have thought to go, or have access to the gear or the experience.”
All gear – including wetsuits and snorkels – and experienced guides are provided free of charge. Feeling comfortable in deep water was a requirement, but strong swimming skills were not necessary.
With 5 millimetre wetsuits, “you’ll be super floaty,” Warmington said, “And you’ll have people around you.”
People were welcome to bring their own gear, and the team would check it over before heading into the water.
Snorkellers would see anything from big blue moki, blue cod, wrasse and spotties, to big conger eels, eagle rays, sting rays, crayfish and octopus.
“You’ll see plenty of big fish – they're protected in there, and they know it.”
Taputeranga had been protected for the past 12 years, so people would see “what a healthy marine environment should look like”.
“We do contrasting snorkels – inside and outside the reserve,” he said. “The differences are wild.”
This would also be a chance to meet some of the team behind another Mountains to Sea project, Love Rimurimu, to establish seaweed restoration sites in Wellington harbour – as well as the fruits of their labour.
“You’ll see some mesmerising seaweed – it’s popping off at the moment. The colours and the vibrancy, it’s just breathtaking. I could stay still for hours just watching it.”
People keen to take part should head down to Princess Bay on Saturday, January 22 or the following Saturday, January 29. Covid-19 tracing will be required.
Source: https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/wellington/127543287/free-guided-snorkel-tours-of-marine-reserve-on-wellingtons-south-coast-start-this-saturday
