Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is the first park of its kind in New Zealand, established in 2000 to protect the sensitive Gulf regions along the coasts of Auckland and Waikato. The park, which spans an area of more than 1.2 million hectares, stretches across 50 islands off the coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, the Firth of Thmas, and Waitemata Harbour. It is overseen by the local and national New Zealand government in cooperation with the region's indigeous Maori Iwi. Visitors can explore many of the park's islands, including its gorgeous Little Barrier Island, which preserves New Zealand's most intact native ecosystem, offering a glimpse of the island's wilderness prior to human settlement. Many islands are considered to be important bird sanctuaries, protecting species such as the takahe, kiwi, and grey-faced petrel. Visitors can explore sites such as Cape Rodney-Okakari Point, which offers some of the Auckland area's best snorkeling and scuba diving experiences, and Kawau Island, which preserves the former mansion and gardens of Sir George Grey.

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