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New Zealand » Tourist Attractions in New Plymouth » Nga Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park |
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| Nga Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park, New Plymouth |
The Nga Motu/Sugar Loaf Island Marine Park, New Plymouth is located just offshore from New Plymouth. It was formed by the erosion of the remnants of igneous rocks originated from the volcanic domes. Nga Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park, New Plymouth belongs to the group of seven islands. This island offers a semi-sheltered environment to the coastline, which normally remains exposed. The island has been named so for its organic deposits. The name has been given by Captain Cook, as the structure of the islands reminded him of the way stacks of sugar kept in England.
It is mainly consists of seabed, foreshore and water surroundings. The location is in between Port Taranaki breakwater and Herekawa Stream and Black Beach in New Plymouth.
This park has been established by the Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Protected area (SLIMPA). The main object of setting the Park is to create a natural habitat for the marine life and also to provide recreational facilities.
There are two parts of the island, the inner island and the outer island. The larger islands of Motumahanga and the Moturoa comprises the “outer island” and the Mataroa, Whaikaranga, Pararaki constitutes the “inner islands”. All this places can be visited by getting permits only, so before including them in the New Plymouth Tour, all permissions should be arranged.
Wildlife in Nga Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park, New Plymouth
There are about 19 species of sea birds that exist in this island. It is the home to about 17,000 seabirds. The unique species found here are Fleshfooted Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Fluttering Shearwater, Diving petrel, White faced Storm petrel, White fronted Terns, Black Shags, Little Blue Penguin and Reef heron, the endangered bird specie.
Plant life in Nga Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park, New Plymouth
There are about 149 species of plant species, among them, 86 are native and 63 have been introduced. The common vegetation comprises of tuapata scrub, flax and some karo and cabbage trees. The Cooks scurvy can also be found here, but is in an endangered state. This grass was very rich in vitamin C content and was used by the early sailors as an effective medicine of scurvy.
Marine life in Nga Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park, New Plymouth
Variety of underwater habitat can be seen in the island. There are thin crust of coralline algae, hydroid trees, jewel and striped anemones, about 33 species of sponge and over 80 species of fishes. It is the hauling ground and breeding place of fur seals. Among other mammals there are dolphins, killer whales and pilot whales.
Another reason for it being a leading tourist attraction in New Plymouth, is the scope of recreational activities. This has also made it a popular place of sightseeing in New Plymouth.
The deep water, the varied marine life, the underwater scenery, has made the island preferable to divers. Recreational fishing is also very popular here. The fishes which can be found here are kingfish, kahawai, snapper, blue cod, trevally, blue moki, sweep, red gurnad, tarakihi, tuna, marlin, mako shark etc.
There are certain restrictions on fishing, and regarding the plant and animal lives, in such instances, permission is to be taken from the SLIMPA authorities.
For more information on Nga Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park, New Plymouth visit travel.mapsofworld
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