Mercury Islands

The Mercury Islands are a small group of islands off the northeast coast of New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula. The group includes several islands, the largest of which is Great Mercury Island, also known by its Māori name Ahuahu.

The islands are valued for beaches, coastal cliffs, seabird colonies and marine recreation such as snorkeling, diving and fishing. Several islands contain private holiday homes and limited walking tracks rather than extensive tourist infrastructure.

Historically the islands have Māori names and associations; today they are managed as a mixture of private land and areas of conservation interest. Visitor access is typically by private boat or charter from the nearby town of Whitianga.

Geographically the islands lie off the eastern shore of the Coromandel Peninsula, roughly a short boat ride from Whitianga, and are surrounded by the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana maritime environment.

• Access: Great Mercury Island is commonly accessed by boat or small plane from Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula.
• Wildlife and activities: The islands support seabird colonies and offer coastal walking, snorkeling and diving in clear, sheltered waters.

What to See #

• Great Mercury Island (Ahuahu): The largest island in the group, known by its Māori name Ahuahu, features beaches, cliffs and privately owned land with holiday houses and walking tracks.
• Outlying islets: Smaller islets and stacks around the main island provide seabird nesting habitat and sheltered bays used for diving and fishing access.