Seatrek takes you to Tuhua/Mayor Island
Walkers, trampers, bird watchers, nature lovers, those seeking a bit of peace and quiet away from it all: are you looking for somewhere new and different to do what you enjoy, maybe involving a little overseas travel to a South Seas Island?
It might be closer and more accessible than you think.
Let Seatrek take you to this ancient sleeping volcano, where you can stay overnight and experience all the wonderful walks and wildlife that this unspoilt and littleknown island refuge has to offer. Climb the “Devil’s Staircase” and visit the lakes. Walk from Opo/South East Bay to see the giant pohutukawa tree, reputedly the largest in the world. We can organise this adventure for you and, of course, ferry you and your gear to the island.
Tuhua/Mayor Island is the jewel of the Bay of Plenty and the largest island in the Bay. It is the ancestral home of Te Whanau a Tauwhao ki Tuhua and privately owned, whilst being administered by the Tuhua Trust Board on behalf of its beneficiaries.
It is located 20 nautical miles north of Tauranga harbour entrance, two and a half hours by boat, less that in the fast boat (boat selection according to availability). The Trust welcomes visitors to share the unique experiences associated with the island. Its pristine waters and rugged natural landscape are available for everyone to share and enjoy.
Tuhua is the Maori name for obsidian, the black volcanic glass which abounds there. Naturally present in only a handful of locations in New Zealand, it is nonetheless found throughout the country, the result of trade in this valuable resource in pre-European times. (Used for cutting and scraping.)
Mayor Island is the name given by Captain James Cook as he sailed past on 3rd November 1769, less than a month into his first visit to New Zealand. Mayor Island after the “Lord Mayor’s Day” to be held in London a few days later. In the same vein, he named a nearby group of islands the Court of Aldermen (City Elders), on the same day.
In more recent times the island was home to the Tauranga Game Fishing Club from the early 1920’s to the early 1990’s, when it moved its headquarters ashore to the mainland.
In this period the island was renowned internationally for its sport fishing, while now it is partly a marine reserve.
About one quarter of its circumference on the northern coast, out to a distance of one nautical mile, is a total no-take area. The remaining portion of the island’s circumference, likewise out to one nautical mile, is closed to set nets and long lines, though rod fishing and diving are still allowed.
Ashore there have been huge conservation efforts by DOC as well. After a period where the island was effectively closed to the public while pest eradication was carried out, it was eventually declared pest/predator free and re-opened.
Bird releases have followed and populations have increased (kiwi, kakariki and popokotea amongst others). There are also tuatara on the island. DOC is still very active in the management of the resource. All visitors will have their luggage checked for hitch-hikers (pests) in a sealed quarantine building to safeguard the status of the island.
Walks
All walks leave from and return to Opo/ South East Bay, where all buildings are situated and all vessels arrive to unload/ pick up. Camping away from Opo is not permitted. There are a number of short walks available from as little as one hour return. For the more committed and adventurous, there is the “Around Island” walk.
DOC advises, “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 (6-8 hours) to do this walk, and remember to notify the kaitiaki/caretaker before you set out.
Seatrek advises that some of the shorter walks can be enjoyed on a day trip to Tuhua, but to achieve the around island walk would need at least one night spent on the island, and preferably two.
At different turns, walkers will be rewarded with views of the crater, the crater lakes, the surrounding ocean, the mainland and large stands of pohutukawa.
All drinking water must be carried as Opo is the only source. All litter must be carried, to be taken with you when you leave the island.
Accommodation
Tent sites and cabins are available at Opo, with access to showers and an ablution block included in the accommodation fee. There is a communal cooking area but you will need to be fully self-contained and bring everything you need with you. There is no electricity, shop or store on the island.
Visitors are essentially in a backcountry situation. There is service for mobile phones, but it is not universal.
DOC advises that German wasps are present, especially between January and March. Visitors with known allergies must bring appropriate medication, and any other medication required for the period. It is also advisable to take at least
one extra day’s food and supplies in case bad weather means our boats are unable to access the bay.
Seatrek
Seatrek is a Tauranga-based marine charter company whose boats, Enterprise and Klingon can take you and your party to Tuhua. Dates for travel to and from Tuhua are subject to weather.
Phone 027- 496- 9973 or 0508 GOSEATREK, website: www.seatrek. co.nz
Seatrek is located at J Pier, Tauranga Marina Society, Sulphur Point, Tauranga.
They provide what has been described as the best marine adventures that NZ’s Bay of Plenty has to offer, ideally suited to group bookings for work, friends or family.
Activities include fishing, diving, ocean kayaking, swimming with dolphins, harbour cruises and transport to outlying islands. They also specialise in Hen and Stag does.
Their friendly, professional crew have over 30 years experience; including in the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel coast and overseas. They are passionate about what they do in the incredible marine playground that they enjoy every day. Seatrek are fully approved by the Department of Conservation. Come to sea with Seatrek.