Rakitu Island Scenic Reserve

Nature and conservation

The eradication of rats from Rakitu Island was carried out during the winter of 2018. Without predators, the island’s already rich plant and wildlife will only continue to flourish. Visitors to the island should take special note of the biosecurity requirements to ensure the island remains pest-free.

The vegetation of Rakitu is made of retired farmland, and forest of mānuka, kānuka and coastal pōhutukawa. The flora of Rakitu features large leaved forms of rangiora and kawakawa. Like nearby Great Barrier and Little Barrier Islands, Rakitu has a remarkable diversity of lichens.

Many native birds occupy the island’s forest and coastal areas.

History and culture

Rakitu is a taonga to Ngāti Rehua-Ngatiwai ki Aotea people. It is the final resting place of the founding tupuna Rehua.

It is one of a number of sacred islands such as Mokohinau and Hauturu-o-Toi. These other islands have been eradicated of pests for some years, so are thriving with life and taonga species. Ngāti Rehua-Ngatiwai ki Aotea are committed to restoring the mauri of Rakitu. The recent eradication of rats is the first step in establishing a sanctuary for our seabirds and other taonga species.

Ngāti Rehua-Ngatiwai ki Aotea people cleared and cultivated the central valley. There are historic sites including a pa (earthwork fortifications) and several kainga (settlement) and whare (dwelling) sites.

Rakitu was purchased from the Rope family in 1993. Europeans settlers grazed cattle on Rakitu for more than a century, before the Rope family stopped grazing in 2013.

Getting there

Know before you go