Snares Islands

Island Remote New Zealand islands renowned for endemic seabirds

A subantarctic group south of New Zealand, the Snares host dense seabird colonies and endemic species; visits are tightly controlled for conservation, with licensed expeditions observing nesting birds and marine life.

The Snares Islands are a small subantarctic archipelago south of New Zealand, notable for their intact ecosystems and dense seabird colonies. The group is uninhabited by people and protected for its high conservation value, including endemic bird species.

The islands support large breeding populations of seabirds and several species found nowhere else, such as the Snares penguin and the Snares tomtit, making them important for ornithology and conservation. Visits are rare and strictly controlled to avoid introducing pests or disturbing wildlife.

Geographically the Snares lie in the southern ocean well south of New Zealand’s South Island and are administered as part of New Zealand; their remoteness and protected status mean they are visited mainly by researchers and occasional chartered conservation trips.

World Heritage: Part of New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands World Heritage property, inscribed for exceptional island ecosystems and seabird colonies.
Access restrictions: Access is tightly restricted to protect breeding colonies and endemic species; landings require permits and are generally limited to scientific and conservation visits.

What to See #

North East Island: North East Island is the largest island in the group and hosts the main seabird colonies and most of the endemic land-bird populations.
Broughton Island: Broughton Island is a smaller, rocky island adjacent to North East Island and supports important nesting sites for seabirds and seals.

How to Get to Snares Islands #

The Snares Islands are a remote New Zealand subantarctic group with no regular passenger service. Access is by sea only, typically on research or charter vessels from Bluff (the port south of Invercargill). Travel to Invercargill is by air or road from southern New Zealand (Invercargill is about 30 km north of Bluff), and any landing on the Snares requires permits from New Zealand’s Department of Conservation; there are no scheduled tourist ferries.

Tips for Visiting Snares Islands #

The Snares Islands are a highly protected, virtually unvisited subantarctic nature reserve - landing is normally prohibited and the islands are only open to permitted scientific or conservation visits; check with New Zealand's Department of Conservation well in advance.
If you cannot get a permit to land, arrange a passage on an approved research or expedition vessel and view the islands from the sea at the distance prescribed by DOC biosecurity rules; strict biosecurity procedures apply to prevent introducing pests.
Plan any permitted visit for the austral summer (roughly December-February) when sea and weather conditions are least severe and wildlife colonies are active.