Mana Island

Plimmerton, Wellington, New Zealand

DOC scientific reserve a few kilometres off the coast from Titahi Bay

Easy

Foot

Mana Island is much smaller than its northern neighbour Kapiti Island. From the landing area on the south-eastern part of the island there are well maintained walking tracks. If you go take the Tirohanga track north you pass the toilet and historic woolshed, and then there is a short steep climb about 100 metres to the flat grassy top of the island. The well mown track continues to the north western corner of the island where there is a trig on the historic site of the old lighthouse. Returning along the western side you pass the location of the concrete Gannet colony (concrete gannets since removed). You can then take the coastal track back to the landing area, or follow the southern island loop, which joins the Tirohanga track back down to the landing area. There is a small wetland loop track behind the DOC buildings near the landing area.

Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a leisurely walk, and look out for the "Lizard Lounge" boxes (there is one by the lighthouse trig).

The island is an important DOC wildlife sanctuary, with a small breeding population of Shore Plover, Takahe, and Yellow-Crowned parakeet. Visitors are allowed on the island between 8 am and 5 pm, and expect to be met by DOC staff.

Trig and site of old lighthouse

Historic woolshed dating back to 1834

There is no scheduled ferry service to Mana Island. The Wellington DOC office (phone (04)-384 7770) can provide a list of yachts that may be chartered, or you can try Mana Island Sailing Adventures (skipper Michael Peters). 6 - 8 people are needed to charter a boat, and another option is to catch a ride with a fishing party.

Another option is The Friends of Mana Island (FOMI). You can contact Brian Paget at (04) 802 4345 or mobile 021-523-444. These trips are guided and can take up to 30 people.

As it is a scientific reserve there are no dogs allowed, no overnight camping, and bags should be checked for vermin upon arrival.

6.98km

Double track

120m 120m 2m 2m

16 May 2010 by ledzep

ledzep