Kermadec Islands - Pets

Where are the Kermadec Islands?

Rangitāhua - Kermadec Islands, is an archipelago lying about 1000km northeast of New Zealand, about halfway between Tonga and New Zealand.

Safeguarding Rangitāhua, the Kermadec Islands

The islands are internationally recognised and hold nature and marine reserve status, a high level of legal protection in New Zealand.  The islands and their surrounding waters are host to globally significant and fragile ecosystems and biota found nowhere else on Earth and are one of only four pristine marine ecosystems on the planet. Therefore, they need to be rigorously safeguarded.

Restricted Access

All the islands within the reserve are extremely delicate and even low numbers of visitors can result in unintended consequences within the fragile ecosystem.  Access to the islands and the waters is strictly controlled. Entering the waters or landing on the islands is only by permit which is currently limited to research expeditions only.  Where permits are granted, the vessel hull must be cleaned and inspected and the required certification of inspection approved in advance.

The islands and surrounding territorial waters are under constant surveillance and vessel tracking is undertaken. Any unauthorised approach to the islands creates a significant risk of destroying the very nature of this unique place.

If you have a valid need to approach the Islands, please ensure you have the appropriate permits and inspections completed before your departure by contacting the Kaitaia office of New Zealand's Department of Conservation at kaitaia@doc.govt.nz.

Position - Raoul Island:

29° 15.92'S, 177° 56.88'W