Private Boats
A landing pass is required for all visitors and directly supports Rotoroa Island's conservation work. With no government funding, visitor landing fees from boaties and commercial operators help us maintain this sanctuary, fund restoration projects, and support our rangers, visitor facilities and education programmes.
Before you arrive
No Pets
Pets are not permitted on the island—not on leashes, not on beaches, and not below high water mark. Our takahē family, chicks, and visiting kiwi depend on this protection to thrive safely.
No Fires
Open fires are not permitted anywhere on Rotoroa Island. Instead, enjoy barbecues at our designated picnic spots with electric BBQs available at Home Bay and Ladies Bay—perfect for a seaside meal with all the convenience and safety.
Check Your Gear for Pests
Inspect all gear—especially camping equipment—for rats, mice, ants, plague skinks, soil, and seeds. Pay extra attention if Argentine ants or plague skinks are present where you live. Small animals and eggs hide easily in gear and soil.
Seal Everything
Pack all food in sealed containers and keep all bags zipped closed. Seal boxes completely—no holes. Rodents can squeeze through gaps as small as 7–12mm. Notify catering companies you're travelling to a pest-free island.
Pack In—Pack Out
Take all rubbish home with you. Clean your clothing, footwear, and gear to remove soil and seeds before and after your trip. Use the cleaning stations at the departure pier to brush your shoes before boarding the ferry.
No Mooring
Boats are the 2nd main vector for pests to come ashore, so we don’t permit mooring at our pontoon or wharf. Please check your boat before leaving town and moor out in Home Bay, ensuring you bring a dinghy to get between the island and your boat.
No Camping
Camping is prohibited anywhere on the island. This is to protect our wildlife and minimise fire risk. If you wish to stay on Rotoroa Island we would love to welcome you to stay in one of our holiday homes.
Five knot rule
There is a five-knot rule within 200m of the shore or a structure (50m of another boat or swimmer). Please also observe the 5 simple maritime rules: Rules on the water - Maritime NZ. They protect us all and the environment.
Why this matters
Our pest-free status is fragile. One stowaway—hidden in your gear, on your shoes, or in soil—can devastate years of conservation work. Rats squeeze through 12mm gaps, mice through 7mm. Pests kill native wildlife and compete for food. Soil carries plant diseases like kauri dieback. Invasive weeds destroy habitats. Once established on an island, pests are extremely costly and time-consuming to remove.
Stop and check before you go to Rotoroa. Your care protects our sanctuary.
Important information
Beach Landing: Dinghies only
Other Boats: Must anchor offshore (including Sealegs)
Mooring: None available
Wharf & Pontoon: No public access
Staying in one of our holiday homes? Our pontoon and wharf is available for drop-off and pick-up at the start and end of your stay only.
Weather and sea conditions.
Conditions in the Hauraki Gulf can change quickly and may differ from marine forecasts. Check both the Waitematā and Bream Head to Cape Colville forecasts, and continue to monitor conditions before and during your visit.
There are five bays where anchoring is permitted. Home Bay is the most popular, but it is exposed to the prevailing westerly winds. Maimai Bay, Cable Bay, Ladies Bay, and Men’s Bay also offer safe anchorage.
Always check wind direction, particularly if staying overnight. Afternoon sea breezes are common. Avoid anchoring in bays with onshore winds.
Rocks, reefs, and tide height can affect anchoring safety, so refer to charts and tide tables. The tide retreats a long way at Home Bay — factor this in when anchoring.
Staying overnight in our holiday homes?
If you’re staying overnight on the island, make sure your boat is anchored securely and you have a safe way to get between your boat and the shore.
The wharf and pontoon are for drop-offs and pick-ups only, at the start and end of your visit. They are not available for day or overnight mooring. You must know how to moor alongside structures without causing damage to both the structure and your boat.
Leaving boats unattended at the wharf or pontoon restricts ferry access and is one of the island’s biggest biosecurity risks. In wet weather or heavy seas, unattended boats can take on water, become damaged, or sink. For this reason, please bring tenders ashore rather than leaving them in the water.
Found a pest?
On the mainland: Get rid of the pest and clean your gear again.
On the ferry: Tell the crew what you have found and where it is.
On Rotoroa Island: Immediately report it to the Duty Ranger on 09 283 0849
