Bay of Islands: island visit information pack

Project Island Song - looking after the pest-free islands of the Bay of Islands

All of the islands of the eastern Bay of Islands (Ipipiri) are now rat-, mouse- and stoat-free. Many hours and money has been spent to get them to this stage; more will be spent in the future to keep them pest-free. Efforts are also now going into getting rid of weeds, restoring the original bush cover of the islands and reintroducing native species. Before too long the islands of the Bay will be filled with the songs of birds that once lived there.

You can view the island visit information pack here online or
download a printable version (PDF, 495K)

Steps to take before and during your visit

When you visit or stay on these islands, you can help Project Island Song by taking the following steps:

Before going out to the islands

• Make sure any camping gear that will be used on Urupukapuka Island is stored in a rodent- and invertebrate-controlled area in order minimise the risk of transporting pests to the islands.
• Clean all tents by exposing them to sunlight, drying them and thoroughly checking them for soil, seeds and plant material, invertebrates and rodents, etc, before leaving the mainland.
• Confirm your booking for DOC campsites on Urupukapuka Island (Urupukapuka, Cable and Sunset Bays) or visit the Explore NZ website (Zane Grey cabins and campground in Otehei Bay)
• Include biosecurity as a topic in any pre-trip briefings:
  View a biosecurity Q & A for questions you could cover.
• Include environmental behaviour as a topic in any pre-trip briefing: view the New Zealand Environmental Care Code
• Hand out a biosecurity checklist to group participants.
• Approach DOC Bay of Islands Area office +64 9 403 9006 for biosecurity sessions or Guardians of the Bay of Islands (hodealy@doc.govt.nz) for Project Island Song activities.
• View the Project Island Song biosecurity flyer (PDF, 614K)

Before boarding the boat

• While still on the mainland, and as close to departure time as possible, make sure you check and seal yourr gear to reduce risk of reinvasion. Clothing and shoes should also be clean and free of soil and seeds. If unsure, unpack and re-inspect, then re-pack again. Sealable day packs, overnight bags and solid sealable containers are suitable. Cardboard boxes and shopping bags are not suitable as mice can easily get inside.
• All food should be packed and stored into sealed containers for transport.

On arriving at the islands

• To minimise the risk of rodents getting ashore, vessels (excluding dinghies and kayaks) should not stay landed on the beaches of the Eastern Bay of Islands except for loading and unloading stores and passengers. At all other times vessels should be anchored offshore.
• If you see signs of insects or rodents in packages, do not take them ashore.

While on the islands

• When unpacking gear on the islands, check for any signs of rodents, insects, and other animals and plants. It is better to unpack gear within an enclosed space i.e. tent.
• Keep your eyes open for any signs of rodents - tracks (on sandy beaches), droppings, chew marks on packaging or food. View photos of rodent and stoat prints for identification.
• Report any rodent sightings or signs (droppings or tracks) on board vessels, near or on the islands, to DOC Bay of Islands Area office +64 9 407 0300 (office hours), 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) (after hours). The quicker the report, the sooner a DOC ranger will be able to respond.
• Pack all inorganic rubbish securely and remove it from the island for appropriate recycling or disposal. Over summer, please buy the appropriate rubbish bag and use the rubbish barge moored off the south-eastern side of Moturua Island.
• Do not burn any rubbish on any islands in the eastern Bay of Islands.

When leaving the islands

• Take only photos, leave only footprints.
• Pack all your rubbish out with you.

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