Tuhua Island

Tuhua Island, also known as Mayor Island is a wildlife refuge and you need to pre-arrange your visit to experience this unique island. The island is 4km wide and a dormant shield volcano that emerged about 7000 years ago from the sea. The highest peak, Opuahau reaches 355 meters and the island also has a large caldera. The volcanic crater has two lakes at sea level, Lake Aroarotamahine which is green and Te Paritu which is black.

Vessels are only permitted to land on the south-east bay in the presence of the island caretaker. Private charters are also available during daylight hours. Tent sites and cabins are available on the south bay. The island is a wild refuge since 1953 and visitors can spot many native birds like the morepork, nectar-feeding tui, bellbirds, fantail, kingfisher, grey warblers, and waxeye. There are many signposted walking tracks through the lakes and Pohutukawa forest where you can submerge yourself in the wildlife. The island’s geological makeup includes obsisdian which is a volcanic glass and is considered significant by the Maori. The Marine Reserve is located at the northern end of the island, attracts many subtropical species and is a great spot for snorkeling, diving, fishing and swimming.