Conservation on Waiheke
Waiheke Island is a taonga (treasure) with many special places. Home to historic sites, wildlife and diverse habitats, the island is an important part of New Zealand’s landscape. Waiheke’s National Reserves protect natural, historical and cultural heritage, and help to safeguard the biodiversity of the planet.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) and Auckland Regional Council both manage park lands and public reserves on Waiheke Island. Reserves managed by DOC include the Stony Batter Historic Reserve, Matietie Historic Reserve and Te Matuku Bay Cemetery and Scenic Reserves.
While visiting Waiheke Island, it is important to respect the environment. If you are planning a bush walk or water activities in the Haurarki Gulf Marine Park, please read the details below.
Looking after the reserves
The following list includes things to remember when on Waiheke Island, in order to help with conservation. Non compliance with these conditions may result in prosecution.
- Do not take dogs or other animals into any of the reserves or into the Stony Batter walkway. They will threaten wildlife and farm animals.
- Do not light fires.
- Take your rubbish away with you - follow DOC's 'Pack in - Pack out' code.
- Do not remove or disturb any artifacts or other historic remains.
- Do not camp on the reserves - there is a designated campground in Whakanewha Regional Park for those wishing to camp.
- If a walkway crosses private farmland, leave gates as you find them. Follow the orange marker posts and do not disturb stock or farm operations.
For more information contact DOC Auckland Visitor Centre, phone +64 9 379 6476 or visit www.doc.govt.nz.
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park protects the natural and historic features of the gulf that are of national and international importance. The quality and presence of wildlife and plants, not found anywhere else in the world, make the marine park a highly protected area.
The park consists only of public land - reserves and conservation areas administered by the Department of Conservation, and the foreshore, seabed and sea. Local authorities can add their reserves to the park while retaining ownership and control, and protected private or Maori land can be included in the park at the owner's request.
Care and beware
You are welcome to explore and enjoy the Hauraki Gulf and its islands but please observe the following rules:
Nature and reserves
- Do not land without a permit
- Do not anchor boats close to the shoreline
For all conservation islands
- Check your boat for rats and other unwanted stowaways before leaving the mainland
- If part of your boat is closed in, keep a bait station with fresh rat poison or a baited trap on board
- Before going ashore check bags and stores for rodents, and clothes and shoes for weed seeds
- Do not bring dogs, cats or other pets onto island reserves or their beaches
- Do not light fires, except at designated barbeque sites
- Take your rubbish home with you - most conservation islands do not have rubbish disposal facilities
For more information visit www.doc.govt.nz
Information supplied courtesy of the Department of Conservation