Our action-packed school holidays

Snorkelling, rockpooling and bush walks in Matheson Bay | Te Kohuroa

The great outdoors is exciting. And when it comes to being on and in the water, there's no time more exciting than summer. By the end of January, Mountains to Sea Conversation Trust will have held more than six action-packed days for over 120 school children.

Rockpools at Matheson Bay

Our first holiday programme was at Matheson Bay, near Leigh in North Auckland. We began the day by rockpooling at low tide. Climbing over rocks and peering into pools, we discovered a variety of marine life, including cushion stars, multiple species of crabs and snails, shrimp, triple fins, and various types of seaweed. Our team leader, Becky Carton, used a Marine Metre Squared to generate discussions about citizen science and seashore collaborations.

Becky holding a Marine Metre Square

Local community group Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative helps protect and restore balance in this ecosystem. During snack time, one of their volunteers Frances Dickinson shared her stories with us. She outlined the changes made in the Bay due to the increased abundance of kina. This has had follow-on effect on the rest of the reef.

Getting ready to snorkel with a safety briefing at Te Kohuroa

We went snorkelling twice. The first session helped with water confidence. We also practiced our duck diving skills.

It all feels a little weird and wonderful the first time

While underwater, we took a closer look at kina, finding their hiding spots. Did you know that they wear the 'hats' to protect themselves from predators?

Sophie Huang holding a sea hare in Matheson Bay

In the second snorkelling session, we went even further out over the reef. We explored the seaweed to observe the fish species that call this reef home.

It was my first time seeing rays, starfish and living fish in the ocean

Anna

We spotted spotties, goatfish, juvenile snapper, an eagle ray, red moki, and sweep.

After snorkelling, Callum Long took us on a bush walk along Kohuroa Stream on the western side of the bay. We conducted water quality tests and searched for macroinvertebrates in the stream to assess the water's health.

What does a turbidity tube do? Measures water transparency.

Each one of our holiday programmes is one of a kind. But there is a certain kind of balance we like, somewhere between excitement and inspiration. Check out our behind-the-scenes look at Matheson Bay to see how we create these experiences.

Our school holiday programmes are comprehensive and fun

Gallery

What next?

If you would like to be involved in future rewilding events in around Leigh, please contact Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative. If you would like to know more about the Mountains to Sea Conversation Trust snorkelling programme, please see our Eventbrite page.

Help the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust protect our blue spaces. We greatly appreciate donations or volunteering.

More about this event

This event was held on Wednesday 8th January 2024 at Matheson Bay | Te Kohuroa. It was led by our marine environment team members Becky Carton, Sophie Journée and Callum Long. Our guest speaker was Frances Dickinson from the rewilding group Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative. Our amazing interns and volunteers were Sophie Huang, Grac Coyle and Eleanor Smith.

Funders

This event was generously funded by Ministry for the Environment through Wai Connection.

Auckland Local Board

This event took place within the rohe (boundaries) of Rodney Local Board.