Tuhua (Mayor Island) walks

Located in Tuhua (Mayor Island) in the Bay of Plenty region

Discover beautiful forest and views on walks in the Tuhua (Mayor Island) wildlife refuge.

Panui beacon

Time: 1 hr return

A short climb to the south of Opo / South East Bay leads to a fairly flat track through forest to the site of the Panui beacon.

Tutaretare lookout

Time:1 hr 30 min return

This steep climb heads north from Opo / South East Bay, finishing with a spectacular view of the crater, the ocean, and the Bay of Plenty coastline.

The Devil's staircase

Time: 3 hr 30 min round trip

This more challenging route takes in part of the crater rim. Follow the track leading north from Opo / South East Bay, as far as the Tutaretare lookout track junction, and then head east around the crater rim. The Devil's staircase includes a ladder climb. Return along the inside of the crater rim and go through Ruru pass, before returning south to Opo / South East Bay.

Around the island

Time: 6-8 hr round trip

This track is not clearly marked and is overgrown in places. It will require the correct preparation, fitness and route finding skills. Please allow a full day to do this walk, and remember to notify the kaitiaki / caretaker before you leave.

These walks start from Opo / South East Bay.

Boats visiting Tuhua (Mayor Island) must land at South East Bay. Boats may only land when the island's caretaker / kaitiaki is in residence.

A number of private charter options offer trips to Tuhua - a list of operators is available from the Tuhua Trust Board.

There is no drinking water available outside Opo / South East Bay.

Enjoy and respect Tūhua by following these rules:

  • keep to the marked tracks
  • collect all litter and take it off the island with you
  • choose a suitable walk for the time available, and write your intentions on the board in the cookhouse before you leave Opo / South East Bay
  • no overnight trips are allowed - camping is allowed in Opo / South East Bay only.

Contact

Tuhua Trust Board
Phone: +64 7 579 0580
Email: tuhuakaitiaki@gmail.com