The Kermadec Islands consist of four groups of islands and
rocks. The whole area is volcanically active, with earthquakes
almost a daily occurrence. All islands of the Kermadec group are
part of a specially protected nature reserve. You can only visit
the islands with a landing permit from the Department of
Conservation.
The Kermadecs are uninhabited apart from Raoul Island where DOC
staff and volunteers are based. These individuals undertake a range
of tasks including weather observation, weed control, reserve and
facilities maintenance and monitoring volcanic activity. The
islands are home to many rare and unusual species, and thanks to
the work of DOC, the islands are now rat, cat and goat free and
bird life is rapidly recovering.
The waters surrounding the Kermadecs are also protected in the
Kermadec Marine Reserve, which at 745,000ha is New Zealand's
largest.
Further information about the Kermadec Islands and the Raoul
Island programme can be found on the Department of Conservation website and
the Raoul Island diary, written by
some of the DOC workers stationed there.
News & Events
Young Blake Expedition to the Kermadecs
HMNZS Canterbury - L421