Aerial view of Mana Island
The steep-sided and seemingly flat-topped Mana Island is a distinctive feature of Wellington's west coast.
Mana Island's name is an abbreviation of Te Mana o Kupe ki Aotearoa, which acknowledges the achievements of Kupe, the legendary 12th Century Polynesian navigator, who discovered this land - Aotearoa.
Explore the history of Mana Island Scientific Reserve and the conservation work being done there.
Explore the islands's historic sites and visit the woolshed museum. Follow walking tracks to the historic lighthouse site, the "concrete gannets" and enjoy the dramatic views.
You can not stay overnight on the island.
Find out how to get to the reserve, and review the rules and regulations that must be followed once there.
Help protect our treasured islands in Wellington and Kapiti from plant and animal pests.
In this video you'll learn about the takahē. Once thought extinct, they were rediscovered in 1948. Though still highly endangered, some takahē survive on offshore islands like Mana Island, near Wellington.
Mana Island Scientific Reserve factsheet
Mana Island ecological restoration plan review
Transfer of bellbirds and whitehead from Kapiti Island to Mana Island, July 2010
The return of kakariki to Mana Island (PDF, 297K)
The return of fairy prions to Mana Island (PDF, 91K)
Help protect New Zealand's offshore islands from pest animals, plants and insects
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Media releases:
Shore plover breeding on Mana Island
Second wave of shore plover to Mana Island
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