[1] Closer to the sea, schools of butterfly perch, rock lobster and reef fish live alongside octopus, stingrays, seals and the odd bottlenose dolphin.

[1] In the fiords, heavy rainfall runs off from the surrounding mountains creates a permanent freshwater layer to about 5 centimetres (2.0 in) to 10 metres (33 ft) below the surface.

A layer of calm, clear and warm seawater provides a habitat for a range of sponges, corals and fish to about 40 metres (130 ft) below the surface.

[4] The protected area can be viewed by diving or snorkelling, either independently or with a tourism or charter boat service.

However, members of Ngāi Tahu may remove pounamu provided they have the right authorisation, only collect by hand, keep disturbance to the site to a minimum, and only carry as much as they can in one trip.

Tarakihi and hāpuku (grouper) can be found throughout the year, and yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi, known by the common name "amberjack" in North America),[7] tuna and broadbill can be caught during the right season with the right equipment.