Bounty Islands

The Bounty Islands are a small, uninhabited group of granite islets in the South Pacific administered by New Zealand and included in the Subantarctic Islands World Heritage Area.

The islets are rugged, steep and free of human habitation, providing important breeding habitat for seabirds and rookeries for seals; there are no permanent facilities for visitors.

They were named in the late 18th century and have been managed for conservation as part of New Zealand’s subantarctic island network.

The islands lie in the south Pacific well to the southeast of New Zealand’s main islands and are remote and rarely visited.

• World Heritage and access restrictions: Part of New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands World Heritage Area and designated for their ecological importance, with restricted access for conservation and scientific purposes.

The Bounty Islands are extremely remote. Access is by private or research vessel from New Zealand ports (Invercargill or Bluff) and requires special permits from New Zealand conservation authorities. There are no scheduled passenger services.

• The Bounty Islands are a strict nature reserve; there is no casual visitor infrastructure and landing is usually prohibited without a permit.
• Boat trips in the area are dangerous due to heavy seas and rocky shores - only experienced sea operators should attempt approach.
• If interested in wildlife, plan a guided expedition with a conservation organization that has permit access.