Tuhua (Mayor Island) is an ancient volcano, once prized, quarried and fought over for it's valuable black glossy obsidian, now safe-haven for some of New Zealand's most threatened native species. The adjacent Tuhua Marine Reserve is renowned for its high water quality, diversity of deep sea and sub-tropical fish species and stunning geological features.

The island is classified as a Wildlife Refuge and administered by the Tuhua Trust Board, whom represent the owners and are working in partnership with the Department of Conservation to restore the island as close as possible to it's original state.

Visitors are welcome on the island by prior arrangement and are asked to follow a few rules and biosecurity precautions, so that the island's natural beauty, pest-free status and unique inhabitants are protected.

How to get there:
Tuhua is 35 kilometres offshore from the Tauranga Harbour entrance and the marine reserve is located at the more exposed end of the island mean particular care is required when planning and undertaking trips there. Weather and sea conditions can change rapidly. Make sure you advise a responsible person of your intentions, including your destination and time of return and that you are well-equipped.

For many people the most convenient and ready access to Tuhua may be by charter boat or helicopter. Diving or flightseeing excursions can be arranged through a number of operators.

Landing is permitted only at Opo (South-East) Bay. A caretaker will be present on weekends, public holidays and some weekdays from 24 October to 5 April. If no caretaker is present, entry is strictly forbidden.

A landing fee of $5 per person per visit applies, group and school discounts are available. Large parties of day visitors (over 15 people) or those wishing to stay overnight on the island should make prior arrangements with the Tauranga DOC Office, ph: 07 578 7677 or email taurangainfo@doc.govt.nz

Attractions & facilities:

Walking tracks around the island provide access to points of interest.

The island has had the conservation status of a wildlife refuge since 1953 and is administered by the Tuhua Trust Board, whom represent the owners. It has healthy populations of nectar-feeding bellbirds and tui, and wood pigeons. Other native birds include the morepork and fantail, North Island robin, North Island brown kiwi, pateke (brown teal), kaka (brown parrot), grey warbler, waxeye, kingfisher and pied tit and, soaring on the thermals, the harrier hawk. In summer the shining cuckoo is also seen and heard in good numbers.

A marine reserve was created off the northern end of the island in 1993 which provides fantastic diving or snorkelling opportunities, please look but don't touch or harvest.

A restricted fishing area extends one nautical mile offshore around the rest of the island, including Tuhua Reef. Set nets (including gill nets) and long lines (lines with more than three hooks) are prohibited within this area but all other legal fishing methods are allowed.

Accommodation:
Ten tent sites and eight cabins are available by prior arrangement. Please contact DOC Tauranga Area Office to make a booking, 10% non-refundable booking fee applies.

Tent site - $5 per person per night
Cabins (sleep 4-6): Family - $30 per night (4 people)
Couple - $20 per night
Individual - $15 per night
Rates include landing fee, use of cold shower facilities and ablution block.
Visitors must supply own linen, cooking and camping equipment, food and personal items. There is no shop on the island.

Water
All water must be boiled prior to drinking therefore it is advised that you take your own bottled supply.

WARNING - Wasps
German wasps are prevalent on the island especially from January to March. Visitors are advised to be prepared for treating wasp stings and to bring any neccessary allergy medication with them.


Please remember:
It is the responsibility of every visitor to follow the quarantine restrictions to help keep Tuhua pest-free.

The only permitted landing site is South East Bay. There are strict quarantine regulations in place, so all visitors are required to report to the caretaker on arrival. No cargo or luggage is to be brought ashore without the permission of the caretaker. Cargo or luggage ought to be brought ashore during daylight and unpacked in the unpacking enclosure. Charter boat operators should contact DOC for more detailed quarantine procedures prior to planning any visit to Tuhua.

Code of conduct

• Open fires are NOT PERMITTED on the island, cooking is by self-provided gas cookers only.


• Bad behaviour will not be tolerated and will result in the requirement that you leave on the next available vessel.


• All non-combustible rubbish MUST be taken off the Island at your expense. All other material MUST be burnt in the incinerator located next to the cookhouse. No plastics to be burnt.


• If you are planning a trek out of Opo (South East Bay) you are required to complete a form at the caretaker's residence detailing expected departure and return times, number of people trekking and your proposed route.


• The kaitiaki/caretaker retains the right to terminate your stay for serious breaches affecting your own or the safety of others, or matters detrimental to our Island flora and fauna.


• Please observe all signs posted for your safety and enjoyment e.g. All drinking water must be boiled.


• Our water supply is limited and we ask that you conserve water at all times.


• The consumption of alcohol on Tuhua is restricted and requires the prior consent of the kaitiaki/caretaker.


• The use of non-prescription drugs is prohibited.


• All visitors who have not received tickets through the Department of Conservation office, Chadwick Road, Greerton, Tauranga or made prior invoice arrangements with the Tuhua Trust must pay in full upon arrival at Tuhua. If no prior booking is made accommodation is not guaranteed.


• The removal of tuhua (obsidian) is prohibited.

DOC Link One
DOC Link Two