Maud Island
Island Protected island in Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
In the Marlborough Sounds, Maud Island functions as a pest‑free conservation reserve with tracks for specialist birdwatching, plus boating and fishing in surrounding waters.
Maud Island is a small island in the Marlborough Sounds of New Zealand’s northern South Island and is managed as a nature and scientific reserve. It is notable as a conservation site for native wildlife.
The island has no public infrastructure and is primarily visited for conservation work, scientific study and specialist wildlife viewing. There are no regular transport services; access is normally by private boat or charter and controlled by the Department of Conservation.
The island has been used for conservation and species translocations to protect threatened native fauna. It has been the focus of protection efforts to maintain predator-free habitat for small endemic species.
Maud Island lies within the Marlborough Sounds archipelago off the northern coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It sits among the complex channels and islands of the Sounds, north-east of the main Picton/Blair area.
- Maud Island frog: Known habitat for the Maud Island frog (Leiopelma pakeka), a species of conservation interest.
- Access restrictions: Access is restricted and usually requires permission from New Zealand's Department of Conservation.
What to See #
- Scientific reserve: A formally protected scientific reserve supporting relocated and remnant populations of native fauna, including the Maud Island frog.
How to Get to Maud Island #
Visit requires permission from the Department of Conservation. Travel is by boat from the Marlborough Sounds area (Picton or Havelock); arrange transport with approved operators and secure necessary permits in advance.
Tips for Visiting Maud Island #
- Maud Island is a scientific reserve - access is restricted and usually requires permission from New Zealand's Department of Conservation.
- If granted access, follow biosecurity rules strictly; many native species are present because predators have been controlled or removed.
- Combine a visit with nearby Marlborough Sounds itineraries, but plan well in advance for permits and transport.
Best Time to Visit Maud Island #
Access to Maud Island is controlled for conservation reasons; best visited when permissions are granted, typically in summer months.
Weather & Climate near Maud Island #
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 4°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1296 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (151 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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