Codfish IslandAbout Codfish Island
Codfish Island, also known by its Māori name Whenua Hou, is an offshore island reserve to the west of Stewart Island/Rakiura in New Zealand, managed for native wildlife conservation. The island is best known as a predator-free sanctuary where translocations and intensive management support threatened species recovery.
The island is managed as a strict nature reserve with active programmes for species such as the kākāpō and other native birds; human access is restricted and visits are typically by permit only to limit disturbance. There are no commercial tourism services on the island and access is by private boat or chartered aircraft under supervision.
The island lies close to Stewart Island/Rakiura in New Zealand’s far south and is part of the network of islands used for conservation translocations and long-term ecological monitoring.
- Restricted access: access is tightly controlled - landing and visits normally require permits because the island is managed as a nature reserve to protect endangered species.
- Kākāpō sanctuary: one of New Zealand’s important offshore sanctuaries for the critically endangered kākāpō and other native birds, with intensive conservation work and monitoring.
Best Time to Visit Codfish Island
Visit only as part of an approved conservation trip; timing is controlled by breeding and predator-control schedules.
Weather & Climate near Codfish Island
Codfish Island's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 4°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1393 mm/year), wettest in May.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 10° - 16° | 13° | 121 mm | - | - | 8.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 10° - 16° | 13° | 80 mm | - | - | 7.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 9° - 15° | 12° | 127 mm | - | - | 7.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 8° - 13° | 11° | 130 mm | - | - | 6.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 6° - 12° | 5° | 157 mm | - | - | 7.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 5° - 10° | 4° | 144 mm | - | - | 7.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 4° - 10° | 3° | 123 mm | - | - | 7.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 5° - 10° | 4° | 84 mm | - | - | 6.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 6° - 11° | 5° | 102 mm | - | - | 7.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 7° - 12° | 6° | 111 mm | - | - | 8.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 7° - 14° | 10° | 111 mm | - | - | 8.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 9° - 15° | 12° | 103 mm | - | - | 7.1 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Codfish Island
Access only by authorized boat or helicopter from Stewart Island/Rakiura; trips are organized through approved DOC operators and are subject to weather and permit restrictions.
Tips for Visiting Codfish Island
- Codfish Island (Whenua Hou) is predator-free and visitor numbers are strictly limited-book well in advance through New Zealand conservation tour operators.
- Respect biosecurity protocols: remove soil from boots and do not bring food or pets.
- Bring a good camera and a telephoto lens: the island is one of the best places to see nesting kākāpō from a distance.