Image: Russell Street | Creative Commons
Mana Island at sunset, viewed from Porirua.
Mana Island Scientific Reserve

Located in the Wellington/Kapiti region

Mana Island lies off the west coast of Wellington. A restored woolshed houses historic displays, walking tracks lead to spectacular views and a restored wetland is home to many bird species.

Also enjoy a historic lighthouse site and 'concrete gannet colony' installed above the western cliffs to attract gannets to breed there.

The 217 hectare island is only 2.5 km from the mainland at its closest point.

Visitors are welcome to Mana Island between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Access may be made only in the bay between the old woolshed and the wharf. Boats must remain offshore after visitors have landed.

Two moorings, marked by red buoys, are available in the bay for daytime use. They are not available for overnight mooring.

Dinghies may be pulled up the beach after transporting passengers from their boat.

'Friends of Mana Island' sometimes run day excursions with a guided tour of the island.

Everything on Mana Island is protected and nothing may be removed. Fires and smoking are not permitted. Dogs and other pets may not be taken onto the island.

All drone use must be authorised by DOC

You must have a permit to fly a drone on public conservation land.

Visit our Drone use on conservation land page for more information.

The conservation work on Mana has included a massive replanting effort, restoration of Waitoko Wetland, the eradication of mice and the building of a "concrete gannet colony". Read about nature and conservaton on Mana Island.

There are signs of human occupation dating back to the 14th century. Read about the history of Mana Island.