Tūhua (Mayor Island) Marine Reserve

Introduction

Tūhua (Mayor Island) is a collapsed volcano on the edge of the continental shelf. The marine reserve surrounding it is a wonderful dive spot, with a mixture of shallow reef and deepwater environments.

The marine reserve was established in 1992 and is 1060 hectares.

Places to go

Explore the beautiful forest and views on Tūhua (Mayor Island) walks.

Getting there

Charter boats offer the most convenient and accessible way for many to reach the marine reserve. Local operators can even arrange diving or sightseeing excursions for those interested.

Access Tūhua Island

A number of private charter operators offer trips to Tūhua Island.

Tūhua Island is privately owned with strict quarantine rules. Access to the island is only permitted through prior arrangement with Tūhua Trust Board.

To make a booking to land and/or stay on the island, contact:

Tuhua Trust Board
Email: tuhuakaitiaki@gmail.com

Tuhua/Mayor Island permission and biosecurity brochure (PDF, 4,900K)

Know before you go

Tūhua Island is 35 km from the Tauranga Harbour entrance.

As the reserve is at the exposed end of the island care is required when planning and visiting the area.

Weather and sea conditions can change rapidly. Make sure you advise someone of your intentions, including your destination and time of return. Be prepared.

The reserve is next to a restricted fishing area one nautical mile offshore around the whole of the island. 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. Normal daily limits apply.

The eastern and western reserve boundaries, Turanginui Point and Tumutu Point, are marked by a pair of yellow triangles on the cliffs. The triangles line up when seen from the boundary.

View maps and boundaries

Nature and conservation

Tūhua (Mayor Island) is a collapsed volcano on the edge of the continental shelf.

The eroded volcanic forms extend beneath the water, creating a network of lava columns, caves and angular boulders. A dense canopy of kelp and other seaweeds covers the crevices, giving shelter to many colourful organisms.

At Orongatea Bay there is a shallow rock platform suitable for snorkelling. It is enlivened by bubbles from underwater hot springs. Offshore the bottom drops away to 50 m at the North East Arising. This drop off is close to the continental shelf and reveals the typical depth related patterns of plant and animal distribution.

The marine reserve has mixture of shallow reef and deepwater environments. Warm currents bring subtropical visitors, and there are dense schools of kingfish and pink and blue maomao, among many other species.

Report illegal or suspicious activity

Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve - it's illegal. If you see people taking anything from the reserve, report the activity as soon as possible.

You can call 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224) or 0800 DOCHOT (0800 362 468).

It is also an offence to pollute or litter the reserve, discharge any firearm in or into the reserve or erect any structure in the reserve.

Reporting pests

Find-A-Pest lets you report potential pest species, including marine, plant, animal and fungal species.

If you come across something out of the ordinary, upload a picture to the app and a specialist will help identify it. If it's a biosecurity threat, this will be forwarded to Biosecurity New Zealand. If possible, take photos and record the location and name of the vessel.

Or call the Ministry for Primary Industries' Pest and Diseases hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

History and culture

Tūhua is the ancestral home of Te Whānau A Tauwhao ki Tūhua.

The land is privately owned and is administered by the Tūhua Trust Board on behalf of its beneficiaries.

Tūhua is the te reo word for obsidian and is one of the few places in Aotearoa where it can be found. Te Whānau A Tauwhao consider themselves the guardians of the island’s resources and prohibit the unauthorised removal of the jet black glassy stone.

Kaitiakitanga or guardianship is a concept that is deeply embedded in Māori lore. The Trust takes this responsibility seriously and is actively involved in maintaining the island’s natural character as much as possible.

Manaakitanga or hospitality is another important concept that easily aligns with guardianship. The Trust welcomes visitors to share the unique experiences associated with the island. Its pristine waters and rugged natural environment are available for everyone to share and enjoy.

Protect our marine reserves

No fishing of any kind.
Don't take or kill marine life.
Don't remove or disturb any marine life or materials.
Don't feed fish - it disturbs their natural behaviour.
Take care when anchoring to avoid damaging the sea floor.

No dogs allowed

To protect our native wildlife, dogs are not allowed anywhere in this place.