Mana Island is a 217-hectare pest-free DOC Scientific Reserve located off the Kapiti Coast, about 8km northwest of Porirua. Access is by private boat or charter — there is no public ferry service to the island. A loop track climbs to the island’s highest point (around 120m) with 360-degree views, passing through regenerating native bush that has transformed the island since pest eradication and revegetation began in 1987. The island is one of the most significant ecological restoration projects in the Wellington region.
Practical Information
| Location | ~8km northwest of Porirua (island) |
| Access | Private boat or charter — no public ferry |
| Island hours | 8:00am–5:00pm daily |
| Loop track | ~6.3km, 1.5–2 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate (climbs to 120m) |
| Cost | Free (sign in at visitor book on landing) |
| Dogs | Not permitted (pest-free reserve) |
| Managed by | Department of Conservation |
About the Island
Mana Island was farmed until the late 1980s, when it was designated a Scientific Reserve and transferred to DOC. Since then, a major ecological restoration programme has transformed the island: more than 443,000 native trees and shrubs have been planted, a wetland at Waitoko has been restored, mice have been eradicated, and a range of threatened native species have been introduced. The island now supports saddleback, tuatara, shore plover, and other species that have disappeared from the mainland due to predators.
The concrete gannet colony on the island’s cliffs is also home to a growing gannet population — one of only a small number of gannet colonies accessible near Wellington.
The Loop Track
The loop track covers the length of the island and climbs to the highest point, offering 360-degree views across the Kapiti Coast, Kāpiti Island, and on clear days towards both ends of Cook Strait. Remnants of the old lighthouse are visible near the summit. The track passes through the restored native bush, the wetland area, and the gannet colony viewing area.
Visitors must sign in at the visitor book on landing. No permit is required for day visits, but access is only within the designated landing area and during daylight hours.
What Visitors Say
“The transformation of this island is remarkable — dense native bush, birds everywhere, and the 360-degree view from the top is stunning.” — Wilderness Magazine
“One of the great ecological success stories in Wellington. If you can arrange boat access, it’s absolutely worth the effort.” — AllTrails
Where to Learn More
DOC — Mana Island Scientific Reserve has official information about the reserve, visiting, conservation work and wildlife.
Wilderness Magazine — Mana Island has a detailed trip write-up with photos and practical visiting information.
Wikipedia — Mana Island (New Zealand) covers the island’s history, ecology and restoration programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Mana Island?
By private boat or chartered boat — there is no public ferry service to the island. The landing area is between the old woolshed and the wharf on the eastern side.
Do I need a permit to visit?
No permit is required for day visits. Sign in at the visitor book on landing.
How long is the walk?
The loop track is about 6.3km, taking 1.5–2 hours depending on pace.
What wildlife might I see?
The island supports saddleback, tuatara, shore plover and other threatened species. A gannet colony is also present on the island’s cliffs.
Can I bring dogs?
No. Dogs are not permitted on any DOC scientific reserve.
What are the visiting hours?
The island is open to visitors between 8:00am and 5:00pm.
What is the ecological significance?
Since 1987, more than 443,000 native plants have been planted, the Waitoko Wetland has been restored, and mice have been eradicated. It is one of the most significant island restoration projects near Wellington.
Is there a lighthouse?
The remnants of an old lighthouse are visible near the highest point of the island.
The Wellington Walking Tracks hub lists all walking routes across the Wellington region. Matiu/Somes Island in Wellington Harbour is a more easily accessible island reserve, reachable by public ferry from Queens Wharf. The Paekakariki Escarpment Track on the Kāpiti Coast offers a mainland walk with similar coastal and island views.
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