Raoul Island
Island Uninhabited volcanic island in New Zealand's Kermadec Islands
Raoul Island, the largest of the Kermadec group north of New Zealand, is volcanic and largely uninhabited. Specialist expeditions visit for seabird colonies, volcanic features, scientific research and diving around offshore reefs.
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Raoul Island is the largest island of New Zealand’s Kermadec Islands, a remote volcanic group in the South Pacific administered by New Zealand. It is an active volcanic island with a rugged, largely undeveloped landscape.
The island is important for seabird colonies and scientific research rather than tourism; there are no permanent settlements and access is by boat or helicopter on occasional organised visits. Facilities are minimal and any landing or activity is normally managed by New Zealand authorities.
Raoul has a volcanic centre and geothermal features that have produced intermittent eruptions and landform changes in modern times, which is why visitation is controlled. The island forms part of New Zealand’s subantarctic and offshore island conservation estate.
Geographically it lies in the Kermadec Islands chain several hundred to about one thousand kilometres northeast of New Zealand’s North Island and is the most accessible of the Kermadec group only by long sea or air journey.
- Access: Access is restricted and visits are generally undertaken by researchers or as organised trips; there is no permanent civilian population.
How to Get to Raoul Island #
Access is by vessel from New Zealand (typically from Auckland) or by chartered shipping; the journey is long and must be coordinated with the Department of Conservation. Landing requires official permits and compliance with biosecurity and conservation rules.
Tips for Visiting Raoul Island #
- Raoul Island is remote and landing requires permits from New Zealand's Department of Conservation; recreational visits are rare and usually scientific or conservation‑oriented.
- Expect active volcanism: Raoul has an eruption history (most recently in the 20th century) and monitoring is ongoing.
- Bring full expedition gear and plan for self-sufficiency - there are no visitor facilities and landing beaches can be hazardous.
Best Time to Visit Raoul Island #
Visits are highly conditional on weather and require official permits; summer months offer the best access windows.
Weather & Climate near Raoul Island #
Raoul Island's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and mild winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from 16°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1878 mm/year), wettest in March.
January
January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm).
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (197 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 21°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (204 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (153 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 20°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 20°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 20°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm).
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