Great Barrier Island is almost pest-free, with no possums, ferrets, stoats, weasels, Norway rats, hedgehogs and no Gambusia (mosquito fish). There is a wide variety of beautiful native birds* and a vast number of lizards** that call Great Barrier "home" and we want to protect them!
Please seriously consider leaving your pets at home.
Dogs
Two little fox terriers have been known to kill seven penguins in the blink of an eye. If you take your dog to Great Barrier Island, it must be kept on a lead at all times and there are a limited number of beach exercise areas which are clearly marked.
Cats
Cats are also a threat and owners often find that, come time to leave, their cat has disappeared into the bush. Great Barrier Island has an expanding population of more than 7,000 feral cats!
Argentine Ants
We are trying to protect Great Barrier Island from Argentine Ants as they threaten native insects, lizards, birds and their bites can cause allergic type reactions in some people. Argentine ants are spread via soil, potted plants, freight or wood. Please check your equipment and goods for any signs of ants.
Mustelids
(ie: ferrets, stoats and weasels) are FORBIDDEN in the Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area (includes ALL Gulf Islands). If you bring them in, you are breaking the law and penalties will apply. For more information on pest management in the Hauraki Gulf, click here:
http://www.arc.govt.nz/albany/index.cfm?F1E972FE-14C2-3D2D-B986-26B670B4CCFB
Please check all your equipment including vehicles, kayaks and goods for uninvited passengers.
SeaLink is proud to support the Great Barrier Island Charitable Trust and the Windy Hill - Rosalie Bay Catchment Trust in enhancing and protecting the fragile Great Barrier Island environment.
* Ground nesting birds include Dotterels, Brown Teal, Penguins and Black Petrel.
** Lizards include the Chevron Skink and the Marbled Skink.