change

Home 

Choose your country

or

 

Islands

 

 

Tuhua (Mayor Island)

Mayor Island - click for more.
Mayor Island is the summit of a volcano rising from the sea floor. It's both a wildlife and marine reserve.
More about this image
Tuhua (Mayor Island) is a dormant shield volcano with a large caldera. It emerged from the sea about 7000 years ago and has several hot springs. Opuahau, the highest peak, reaches 354 metres and the volcanic crater contains two lakes, both near sea level. Lake Aroarotamahine is green and Lake Te Paritu almost black.

A wildlife refuge since 1953, the island is home to many native birds - nectar-feeding bellbirds and tui, wood pigeons, morepork, fantail, kaka (brown parrot), grey warbler, waxeye, kingfisher and, soaring on the thermals, the harrier hawk. Well marked walking tracks lead to the lakes and through the impressively tall forest.

Tuhua is considered special by Maori because its geological make up includes black obsidian, a volcanic glass created by the rapid cooling of silica-rich lava. Obsidian was prized as a cutting tool. Pieces of this natural black glass can often be found on Bay of Plenty beaches.

There's a marine reserve off the northern end of the island - a popular diving spot with amazingly clear water. Beyond the reserve, the waters around Tuhua are prized by game fishermen - marlin, mako and swordfish are regularly caught here.

Several charter companies run trips to the island - enquire in Tauranga or Whangamata.
 

 
BAY OF PLENTY Region


CONTACT DETAILS

Contact: Tauranga i-SITE Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 7 5788 103
Fax: +64 7 5787 020
Postal: 95 Willow Street Tauranga
Website: www.bayofplentynz.com

Send a message



Your Email Address:
Your message:
 
Send me a copy

Tauranga is the closest town to this highlight.

In Tauranga:

Other towns near Tauranga by road:

Other towns near Tauranga by rail:

Tauranga does not have any rail stations.

The nearest rail station is in Hamilton (93 minutes)

Other towns near Tauranga by air:

Disclaimer
All information available on this web site concerning products and services is provided by the suppliers of those goods and services. Because information is liable to change from time to time you should not rely on the information on this web site but should check the accuracy of the information with the relevant supplier. Tourism New Zealand is not responsible or liable for any claims arising in relation to information supplied to it.

 
Front Row Rugby Club

Front Row Rugby Club Join the Front Row Rugby Club along with Tana Umaga and thousands of others.

New Zealand Videos

New Zealand Videos Browse our collection of videos that showcase what New Zealand has to offer.

Your Words

Your Words Browse personal blogs for straight talking thoughts and opinions about our places, people and adventures.


› Email this page   › Page top
Utilities: Souvenirs:
100% Pure - newzealand.com
Edition: 
Travel:
Our other sites: 
The email addresses published on this web page are for conducting communications that promote Tourism in New Zealand, and are not to be used for any other commercial purpose.
Copyright 1999-2008 Tourism New Zealand, the official website of the New Zealand Tourism Board.