Short answer: Green sea turtles live in the warmer waters of the North Island, but they do not breed in New Zealand. On 29 October 2026 the Department of Conservation (DOC) said satellite tags on 11 rehabilitated turtles show hotspots in Northland harbours, the Bay of Islands and Auckland's Manukau Harbour. DOC asks boaties to slow down in turtle habitat. We pass that advice to skippers on group boat days.
This briefing is for travel agents, tour operators and incentive planners who include a boat day, a fishing charter or a harbour cruise in Northland or Auckland in a New Zealand programme.
What did DOC's turtle tracking find?
- The species. DOC says five turtle species are seen in New Zealand waters, and green and leatherback turtles are the most common. Juvenile and sub-adult green turtles (honu) are seen regularly in warmer North Island waters.
- The study. Since 2025, 11 rehabilitated turtles have carried satellite tags and been tracked daily for 6 to 12 months. The project, called Team Turtle, is run by DOC, Auckland Zoo, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium and iwi, and aims to monitor 20 turtles.
- The hotspots. Rangaunu Bay and Harbour, Pārengarenga Harbour, Murimotu, Whangārei Harbour and the Bay of Islands in Northland, and the Manukau Harbour in Auckland.
- Long journeys. One turtle travelled nearly 3,000 km in four months, down the west coast from Rangaunu Harbour to Wellington and back. Another went from Taupō Bay in Northland down the east coast to the Coromandel, then returned north.
What does DOC ask boaties to do?
DOC's advice for boaties, which we pass to the skipper and to the group at the safety briefing:
- Slow down. Slow down in known turtle habitat and "keep it off the plane".
- Look below the surface. Wear polarised sunglasses to spot turtles in the water.
- Name a spotter. One person watches for marine animals and tells the skipper.
- Fit a propeller guard. DOC says it reduces the risk of a fatal injury.
Nina Raharuhi, a Ngāti Kahu hapū monitor, asked boaties and fishers in Rangaunu Harbour: "Ata haere, kia tūpato" (take it easy and be careful).
Why does this matter for a group boat day?
- Peak season. Auckland Zoo says August to December is the peak season for unwell turtles. Eight had been admitted since June 2026.
- The causes. Trauma from fishhooks, entanglement in fishing line and boat strikes, plus infections. So the advice matters most on fishing charters and fast boat transfers.
- No promised sightings. Turtles are visitors to these harbours, not a resident attraction, so we do not sell a turtle sighting. If a group sees one, the skipper slows down and keeps a respectful distance.
- Other marine rules. In the Bay of Islands the marine mammal sanctuary rules also apply to dolphins and whales. We check both with the operator.
How Explera DMC New Zealand can help
We are the Bay of Islands DMC for travel agents and tour operators, with pages for Whangārei and the Tutukaka Coast, Cape Reinga and Auckland. We plan wildlife and nature experiences and cruises and water experiences. See our Bay of Islands marine mammal sanctuary briefing, our Hauraki Gulf marine protection briefing and our New Zealand wildlife calendar.
FAQ
Are there sea turtles in New Zealand? Yes. DOC says five species are seen in New Zealand waters, most often green and leatherback turtles. Juvenile and sub-adult green turtles are seen regularly in warmer North Island waters.
Do sea turtles breed in New Zealand? No. DOC says the green turtles seen in New Zealand do not breed here.
Where did DOC's tracking find turtle hotspots? Rangaunu Bay and Harbour, Pārengarenga Harbour, Murimotu, Whangārei Harbour and the Bay of Islands in Northland, and the Manukau Harbour in Auckland.
What should a boat do near turtles? DOC asks boaties to slow down in turtle habitat, wear polarised sunglasses, name a spotter to watch for marine animals and fit a propeller guard.
Can Explera DMC New Zealand guarantee a turtle sighting? No. Turtles are not a resident attraction, so we do not sell a sighting.
Sources
- Satellite-tagged turtles reveal epic journeys, DOC, 29 October 2026
Talk to the trade desk
Explera DMC New Zealand trade desk — b2b@explera.co.nz, WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090, B2B portal b2b.expleradmc.com.
