Department of Conservation and Tuhua Trust Board are working together to make it easier for people to enjoy Tuhua (Mayor Island) this summer.

In order to test and develop commercial viability for visitation on the island, the Trust Board has employed a care-taker who, in addition to managing on-island accommodation, will provide a bio-security and quarantine service in order to maintain the island's pest-free status and prevent visitors from accidentally bringing rodents and other unwanted vermin with them. The board is also offering an accommodation booking service through the DOC Tauranga Area Office.
'This is a great opportunity for us to enable people to enjoy the island and generate some financial return on our assets, whilst ensuring that its pristine environment and rare inhabitants are protected,” says Tuhua Trust Board chairperson, Magda Williams.

'We've been working with DOC for many years now and this venture will bring us one step closer to establishing a sustainable management regime for the island.”
The privately-owned Maori freehold island offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy tranquil beaches, walking tracks through regenerating pohutukawa forest filled with bird song, diving or snorkelling in the marine reserve at the northern end of the island or fishing in the restricted fishing area around the rest of the Island.
'It's great to see so many people taking up the opportunity already,” says DOC officer Barbara Strange who has been managing accommodation bookings.
'We had a full house last weekend but there's still plenty of space for people to book in and enjoy a night or two on the island right up until Easter weekend.”

For a take on the waters around Mayor Island, see Brian Rogers' latest blog.

A $5 landing fee applies and landing is permitted only at Opo (South-East) Bay. Ten tent sites and eight cabins are available for visitors to use by prior arrangement. Bookings can be made by contacting DOC: ph: 07 578 7677, email: [email protected]