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Lawrie Mead CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Nugent Island

Island

Small, uninhabited isle in New Zealand's Kermadec group north of the North Island. Scientists visit for seabird colonies and marine research; public access is restricted.

Nugent Island AucklandQueenstownWellingtonRotoruaChristchurchMilford SoundNugent Island
In this guide

Nugent Island essentials

Country: New Zealand
Pay in: Dollar ($)
Language: English

Nugent Island at a Glance

About Nugent Island

Nugent Island is a very small, uninhabited islet in the Kermadec Islands of New Zealand. It is part of a remote volcanic island group administered by New Zealand and recognised for its wildlife values.

There are no facilities on the islet; it is primarily notable for seabird nesting habitat and its role within the larger Kermadec nature reserve. Visits are rare and typically only occur as part of scientific or conservation expeditions.

Like other Kermadec islets, Nugent Island has no permanent human settlement and has been used mainly as habitat for seabirds and marine life; it falls under New Zealand conservation management.

Nugent Island lies in the southwestern Pacific as part of the Kermadec group, far northeast of New Zealand’s North Island and administratively within New Zealand territory.

  • Conservation status: Part of New Zealand’s remote Kermadec Islands group and managed for conservation, with breeding seabirds and limited human access.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Nugent Island

Best visited in southern summer for calmer seas, but many visits require permits or are not permitted at all.

Southern Summer
Dec-Feb · 20-27°C (68-80°F)
Calmer seas and milder weather make small-boat approaches more feasible.
Spring
Sep-Nov · 16-22°C (61-72°F)
Breeding seasons for some seabirds; access still limited.
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Nugent Island

Access requires a private vessel or charter from mainland New Zealand; due to biosecurity and conservation rules, landing is usually limited or prohibited without permission from the New Zealand Department of Conservation.

Tips for Visiting Nugent Island

  • Nugent Island is uninhabited and remote; landing is typically restricted and best arranged through research or conservation agencies.
  • If visiting the greater Auckland or Kermadec region, coordinate with local authorities for permits and biosecurity measures.
  • Bring no plant or animal materials - small islands are ecologically fragile and strict biosecurity applies.