Offshore islands of interest

What we look after

DOC is responsible for around 220 larger offshore islands, and hundreds of smaller islands and rock stacks.

Our offshore islands include:

• 21 island groups eg Poor Knights group (Northland), Mercury Islands (east of Coromandel Peninsula), Chetwode Islands (Marlborough Sounds), Auckland Islands (subantarctic islands).
• 11 islands that are partly reserve eg D'Urville Island, Kapiti Island, Great Barrier Island.
• 8 inland freshwater island reserves (eg Mou Tapu and Mou Waho Islands in Lake Wānaka).

42% of our offshore islands are nature reserves because of their outstanding biological values. A permit is required to visit these islands.

Map of offshore islands

More on New Zealand's offshore islands

• New Zealand's subantarctic islands - Antipodes, Auckland, Bounty, Campbell and Snares islands
• Chatham Islands including Mangere and Rangatira islands
• Northland's offshore islands
• Fiordland islands
• Coromandel offshore islands
• Kapiti Island
• Great Barrier Island Aotea
• Poor Knights Islands
• Maud Island

Restoration projects on offshore islands

There are some of islands where you can visit and participate in projects.

• Northland
  • Urupukapuka, which is part of Project Island Song in the Bay of Islands
• Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
  • Tiritiri Matangi
  • Motuora
  • Rangitoto and Motutapu
  • Motuihe
• Wellington
  • Matiu/Somes
  • Mana
• Marlborough Sounds
  • Motuara
• Stewart Island
  • Ulva/Te Wharawhara