Several islands located within a short distance from the coast are well worth a visit.
Tuhua (Mayor Island) has had the conservation status of a wildlife refuge since 1953. A marine reserve was created off the northern end of the island in 1993. The water clarity means a wide range of marine plants thrive and there is a great diversity of fish. Walking tracks around the island provide access to points of interest. This is a privately owned island contact Tuhua Trust Board for permission to visit. Ring +64 7 577 0942 or ericar@xtra.co.nz. For more information contact the Department of Conservation (DOC) on +64 7 578 7677.
New Zealand’s only active marine volcano, Whakaari (White Island) is an amazing natural phenomenon. Located off the coast of Whakatane, the volcano offers a once in a lifetime experience of walking on an active marine volcano. White Island is estimated to be between 100,000 and 200,000 years old and is a hissing, steaming and roaring ecological wonder. The surface of the island is similar to a scene out of a ‘Star Wars’ movie with craters, sheer cliff faces and cracks and tunnels in the surface with steam hissing out of them like a kettle at boiling point.
Motiti Island is located 15 kilometres from the coastal areas in the region. It’s a largely flat island that covers nearly 10 square kilometres of land and has very few residents. The island is mainly used for agriculture, though there are private beaches to explore.
Popular for a great surf break, Matakana Island is 20 kilometres long. The majority of the island is forest, and most of the roads are privately owned. The only transportation to the island is a barge, which leaves either from Sulphur Point in Tauranga or Omokoroa. Although a quiet, beautiful island, there are no accommodation options available, and only a small village of residents. Permits are required to use the roads.
