Tuhua (Mayor Island)
Introduction
Aerial view of Mayor Island
Mayor Island (Tuhua) has a remarkable history of violent volcanic upheaval. The island is the summit of a volcano rising from the sea floor and frequent eruptions over the past 120,000 years (the last one was about 6,000 years ago) have produced the great variety of landforms seen today.
Opuahau, the highest peak, reaches 354 metres and the volcanic crater contains two lakes, both near sea level. Lake Aroarotamahine is green and Lake Te Paritu almost black.
Location
Tuhua (Mayor Island) is located north of Tauranga, in the Bay of Plenty region.
Features
Obsidian much prized
The most striking feature of the volcanic rocks of Tuhua is the black obsidian. This is a natural glass formed by the rapid cooling of silica-rich lava. Obsidian was prized by early Maori for cutting and scraping tools and weapons and has been found at Maori occupation sites as far afield as Tiwai Pt in the south to the Kermadec islands in the north.
The name Tuhua has a double significance: it applies to the locality itself and also to its glassy black obsidian. Tuhua was the ancient name for Me'etia Island in the traditional homeland of Hawaiki, which was also a source of obsidian. Such a valuable resource meant the island was permanently occupied despite scarcity of water and lack of land suitable for cultivation.
Its 1,277 hectare terrain is very rough with rock ridges, narrow gullies and very little flat land. The island and its valuable obsidian were fought over in many raids and tribal battles. The last permanent residents who moved to the mainland in 1901, were the hapu of Whanau a Tauwhao. They continued to visit the island frequently and planted crops to provision fishing parties. In more recent years Maori and Pakeha fishers have used Tuhua as a big game and commercial fishing base.
Safe-haven for wildlife
The island has had the conservation status of a wildlife refuge since 1953 and is administered by the Tuhua Trust Board, whom represent the owners. It has healthy populations of nectar-feeding bellbirds and tui, and wood pigeons. Other native birds include the morepork and fantail, the kaka (brown parrot), grey warbler, waxeye, kingfisher and pied tit and, soaring on the thermals, the harrier hawk. In summer the shining cuckoo is also seen and heard in good numbers. A marine reserve was created off the northern end of the island in 1993.
Tuhua has also become a safe haven for threatened bird species from the mainland. North Island robins were released in 2003. Pateke (brown teal) and North Island brown kiwi were also re-introduced to the island in 2006. All appear to be establishing successful breeding populations.
The water clarity (situated 26 kilometres off the Bay of Plenty Coast, Tuhua's distance from human populations has meant relatively pollution-free waters) means a wide range of marine plants thrive and there is a great diversity of fish. These include open water migratory species, fish found throughout New Zealand waters and several sub-tropical species. The water clarity, numbers of fish and spectacular underwater scenery, make the area a popular diving spot.
Enjoy the island
Landing on the island is by permission of the owners (Tuhua Trust Board) only and requires adherence to biosecurity protocols. Several charter companies run trips to the island. Walking tracks around the island provide access to points of interest.
For the summer of 2009/10, the DOC Tauranga Office will provide a booking service for Tuhua accommodation. Please call +64 7 578 7677 or email taurangainfo@doc.govt.nz for further information.
Plan and prepare
It is the responsibility of every visitor to follow the quarantine restrictions to help keep Tuhua pest-free.
The only permitted landing site is South East Bay. There are strict quarantine regulations in place, so all visitors are required to report to the caretaker on arrival. No cargo or luggage is to be brought ashore without the permission of the caretaker. Cargo or luggage ought to be brought ashore during daylight and unpacked in the unpacking enclosure. Charter boat operators should contact DOC for more detailed quarantine procedures prior to planning any visit to Tuhua.
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