Little Barrier Island

Te Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier Island is New Zealand's first nature reserve, established in 1896 and a safe haven for a multitude of critically endangered species.

Te Hauturu o Toi – the resting place of the wind – is the gold standard for predator free New Zealand and our jewel in the crown for conservation. Often described as our most intact ecosystem, it is without doubt one of the most important reserves of its kind in the world.

Approximately 40 species of rare or endangered birds, 14 reptile and 2 bat species, and more than 400 native plants flourish in this pest-free sanctuary. Among many success stories, the beautiful hihi/stichbird, which would have been extinct if not for this island, thrive and are able to be translocated to other pest-free island sanctuaries.

Lying just 80 km north of our largest city, Auckland, you need a permit from DOC before visiting the island.