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Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- Various times
- Track grade
- Easy; Advanced
- Location
- Tuhua (Mayor Island)
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Discover beautiful forest and views on walks in the Tuhua (Mayor Island) wildlife refuge.
This DOC directory entry covers Tuhua (Mayor Island) walks in Bay of Plenty, within Tuhua (Mayor Island). Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: Various times
- DOC grade: Easy; Advanced
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
- Tuhua (Mayor Island) closed until further notice; First published on 17 March 2026. Last reviewed on 16 September 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Panui beacon
Time: 1 hr return
A short climb to the south of Opo / South East Bay leads to a fairly flat track through forest to the site of the Panui beacon.
Tutaretare lookout
Time:1 hr 30 min return
This steep climb heads north from Opo / South East Bay, finishing with a spectacular view of the crater, the ocean, and the Bay of Plenty coastline.
The Devil's staircase
Time: 3 hr 30 min round trip
This more challenging route takes in part of the crater rim. Follow the track leading north from Opo / South East Bay, as far as the Tutaretare lookout track junction, and then head east around the crater rim. The Devil's staircase includes a ladder climb. Return along the inside of the crater rim and go through Ruru pass, before returning south to Opo / South East Bay.
Around the island
Time: 6-8 hr round trip
This track is not clearly marked and is overgrown in places. It will require the correct preparation, fitness and route finding skills. Please allow a full day to do this walk, and remember to notify the kaitiaki / caretaker before you leave.
Getting there
These walks start from Opo / South East Bay.
Boats visiting Tuhua (Mayor Island) must land at South East Bay. Boats may only land when the island's caretaker / kaitiaki is in residence.
A number of private charter options offer trips to Tuhua - a list of operators is available from the Tuhua Trust Board.
Know before you go
There is no drinking water available outside Opo / South East Bay.
Enjoy and respect Tūhua by following these rules:
keep to the marked tracks
collect all litter and take it off the island with you
choose a suitable walk for the time available, and write your intentions on the board in the cookhouse before you leave Opo / South East Bay
no overnight trips are allowed - camping is allowed in Opo / South East Bay only.
Contact
Tuhua Trust BoardEmail: tuhuakaitiaki@gmail.com
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
