Flea Bay - Pohatu

Flea Bay is a classic Banks Peninsula Bay, formed by erosion against the remnants of the ancient volcanic peninsula. It is a stop on the (private) Banks Peninsula Track, and can also be reached by boat, or by the 4wd track that descends from the (also gravel) Lighthouse Road. The Department of Conservation have a considerable interest here, the management of Pohatu Marine Reserve, which extends to the heads of the bay and beyond, both to the north and the south. Rock Lobster are being counted, and the environment preserved for the colonies of Penguins and Fur Seals that breed here, and the odd visiting Dolphin.
The farmland here is private although you may use the track to get down to the stony beach, think hard about your transport, 4WD or horseback are said to be best. Likewise at sea, safety ought to come first, fishers and divers need to keep their distance from the sea mammals, and be aware there is no cellphone coverage.

Image Credits: Christine Whiteford