Looking east from the landing area, Little Barrier Island
Little Barrier Island (Hauturu-o-Toi) is one of New Zealand's most valuable nature reserves. Its Maori name Hauturu means 'resting place of the winds'.
The island is a specially protected nature reserve, where human impacts are kept to a minimum and extreme care is taken to keep the island free of introduced animals and plants.
You need a permit to visit this thickly forested island that is home to over 350 native species of plants. It's an incredible place to view wildlife.
Little Barrier Island, or Hauturu-o-Toi, was New Zealand's first Nature Reserve. It is one of the last remnants of primeval New Zealand, and as such is an invaluable refuge for rare and endangered plants, birds and animals.
Getting to Little Barrier Island can be difficult, but you will be rewarded by the experience of seeing rare and endangered plants, birds and animals not often seen on the NZ mainland. There are no visitor facilities on the island.
There is no accommodation or other visitor facilities available on Little Barrier Island.
It is possible to visit nature reserves but visitor numbers and movements are strictly regulated. You must apply for a permit to visit Little Barrier Island and you are likely to be prosecuted if you land illegally.
Find out more about the pest-free warrant recommended for commercial vessels and concessionaires visiting pest-free islands in the Hauraki Gulf.
Find out more about the volunteer opportunities on Little Barrier Island (Hauturu-o-Toi), which include bird and reptile monitoring, weed control and general maintenance.
View a video following a DOC ranger as she releases tuatara into the wild and check out Little Barrier Island Meet the Locals videos.
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Hauturu Little Barrier Island Supporters Trust www.littlebarrierisland.org.nz
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code: 1. Plan your trip 2. Tell someone 3. Be aware of the weather 4. Know your limits 5. Take sufficient supplies
Safety