Visitor Requirements

Ahuahu Great Mercury Island is a pest free island, it is home to thriving birdlife, including tīeke, pāteke, kākā, kākāriki and tūturiwhatu (NZ dotterel), and it is a haven for regenerating native flora and fauna. We need your help to remain pest free and protect our incredible biodiversity. To do your part, please read and understand every section on this page before departure.

Click the buttons below to read the relevant biosecurity requirements.

 

Boaties

Contractors

Visiting someone

While on the island

We welcome you to come ashore during your visit, however, you do so at your own risk. For your safety, please follow the guidelines below:

The island gets very dry, please do not light any fires, including electric stovetops or barbeques!

Camping presents a high biosecurity and fire risk. Please help us stay pest free by sleeping on your boat.

We ask that you please do not bring your pets onto the island to help protect endangered birdlife, as well as our stock.

On your visit:

Stay moored off shore

  • This includes bringing sealegs onto shore. This will reduce the likelihood of pests making their way on to the island and keep beaches enjoyable for all visitors. We also advise you keep pest control devices on your boat.
  • We ask that you please do not bring your pets onto the island to help protect endangered birdlife, as well as our stock.

Walking in the forest

  • You can walk in the forest at your own risk between dawn and dusk.
  • There are many hazards in the forest including: falling branches and trees; pest traps; vehicles, machinery and farm stock; cliff faces, drop offs and fallen trees. To avoid these, stay out of the forest when it’s windy, stick to the roads, and remain vigilant.

Respect residential areas

  • Please stay away from buildings on the island. These are private residences and working areas. Please also be considerate of private residences if you are flying a drone.

When crossing farm areas

  • Be aware of stock. Please do not cross paddocks during lambing/calving season.
  • Be careful around fences, some are electric!
  • Please leave gates as you found them.

Respect shorebirds

  • Stay below the high tide mark as much as possible and off the sand dunes. Dotterels and other birds nest here.
  • If you hear a bird close by in distress, move calmly towards the water and give them space.

Stay safe

  • Bring snacks and water with you. There are no shops or public water sources on the island.
  • There are many steep areas and cliffs on the island. Stay well clear of them.
  • Weather can change unexpectedly and rapidly on the island. Stay informed with forecasts.
  • Be aware of changing tides.

Tell us about your plans to visit

We want to know more about you, our visitors, so that we can improve our communication and planning and increase conservation efforts on and around the island.

If you are visiting the island, please fill in the form by clicking on the button below.

 

About your trip

Contact us