Mayor Island / Tūhua

Island Volcanic island in Bay of Plenty, notable obsidian

Off New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, Mayor Island / Tūhua is a volcanic island known for its obsidian deposits and a surrounding marine reserve; boat trips bring snorkelers, divers and geology enthusiasts.

Mayor Island / Tūhua is a volcanic island in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, noted for its extensive obsidian deposits and Māori cultural significance. The island is uninhabited and is managed primarily for conservation.

Coastal cliffs, native forest and rocky obsidian outcrops are the main attractions; the island supports seabird colonies and natural vegetation that draw day-trip visitors for walking and wildlife viewing. There are no built visitor services on the island.

Māori quarried tūhua (obsidian) here for tool-making and trade, giving the island its Māori name. European visits were mainly for charting and resource use; in modern times the island has been placed under conservation management.

The island sits in the Bay of Plenty off the North Island coast of New Zealand, northeast of the city of Tauranga and visible from parts of the mainland shoreline.

Access and facilities: Access is by private boat or licensed charter; there are no visitor facilities on the island and it is managed for conservation.
Obsidian source: Known traditionally as a source of high-quality obsidian (tūhua), which was valued and traded by Māori communities.

How to Get to Mayor Island / Tūhua #

Mayor Island/Tūhua lies about 35 km offshore from Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty. Public access is limited; commercial charters run from Tauranga or Ōpōtiki subject to Department of Conservation rules and marine conditions.

Tips for Visiting Mayor Island / Tūhua #

Landing on Mayor Island/Tūhua is controlled; check Department of Conservation (NZ) landing rules and any rāhui (temporary restrictions).
The island is of volcanic origin - the silica sand and black glassy tuff on some beaches are reminders of its geological past; avoid disturbing fragile sites.
Combine a trip with the Ōhiwa Harbour or Tauranga if traveling from the Bay of Plenty.