There is no accommodation at the islands: in fact all but one are wildlife sanctuaries meaning no landing, so most fishermen depart from either Leigh or Whangarei.
Matakana is wine country and has plenty to offer travellers from walks, villages, food to stunning bays and long white sand beaches.
There are a number of operators who ply the waters around the Mokohinau Islands, but the stand-out must be a chap by the name of Tony Orton from offshore adventures. His 8.5m alloy Extreme gets you there fast and can move around with ease even in a sea. The boat is fully equipped so you don’t have to bring a thing. All tackle and lures are supplied on a loose em, buy em basis.
You can’t come to this area of New Zealand and not visit the country’s oldest and most established marine reserve – Goat Island. Established in 1975, this reserve is one of the most popular snorkelling locations in the country and you can do it all from the beach. If it’s scuba diving you’re into then Goat Island Dive can assist with your needs from scuba dives at Goat Island to trips out to dive at the Mokohinau Islands.
