Pelorus Tours - Gary & Ellen Orchard
Nopera Lodge, Kenepuru Sound, RD2, Picton
Phone / Fax: 03 573 4203 Mobile: 0274 345 488

Maud Island Tours - Pelorus Sound

Maud island is a scientific reserve and serves as a predator-free island sanctuary for native species. The island is only open to the public for specially-permitted commercial trips in summer or by arrangement with the Department of Conservation. Pelorus Tours operates the only tours for the public to this unique island in the Pelorus sound.

Itinerary For The Department Of Conservation Summer Programme
Trips To Maud Island 2010

2010 visits are Sun 10 / Sat 16 / Sun 17 / Sat 23 / Sun 24 / Wed 27 January
Adults $115 Children $57.50 (13yr&under) All prices include DOC fees & port company charges.

Access to Island under permit No: 200/2010
Leaving 9am, Return approx. 6:30pm. Havelock Commercial Passenger Jetty 1A
Skipper: Gary Orchard
Vessel: M.V. TOROA

After departing Havelock 9am sharp we will cruise on down the beautiful Pelorus Sounds firstly visiting a mussel farm. We then visit nesting Shags at Dillon Bell and the Gannet colony at Waimaru(weather permitting).
From Waimaru we will travel to Maud Island, the Tom Shand Scientific Reserve for the guided tour. This involves an hours walking along a relatively level old farm track, to a WW2 gun emplacement.

On Maud Island there are many rare or endangered species, fauna species indigenous to the island and introduced endangered or rare species, some of which require varying degrees of management.
These include: takahe, lizards, geckos, the Maud Is. frog, land snails, scarab beetles; flax weevils; the click beetle and the Giant Weta unique to Cook Strait.
This management programme means most species may be seen (weather and wildlife permitting).
While still on the Island you may be asked to undertake a simple conservation task to help preserve this unique island and its wildlife. Then, after boarding your vessel, we make the return journey to Havelock.

The main threats, to these species are weed and animal pests, and the spread of Newcastles avian disease (threat to Kakapo) also Chitrid Virus (threat to frogs).
Stoat trap lines, sign indicators, and pest contingency procedures are in place to control the access of stoats and weasels to the island.

There is a constant threat of disease impacting on the Islands frogs and other wildlife. In order to minimise the risk of disease arriving on Maud Island, all visitors are requested to arrive in Havelock with clean clothing and footwear. Transfer of the disease may occur with dirty clothing, moist dirt or faecal material. D.O.C. staff will reserve the right to inspect clothing or prohibit individuals from visiting the island.

Maori Occupation sites are on the island, which was farmed continuously by Europeans from 1867 to the late 1970's when the Shand family sold the island to the Crown for public ownership. The Department of Conservation, with two resident wardens, is undertaking this careful management programme aimed at conserving populations of many endangered species.

Bookings essential, Adults $115 Children $57.50 (13yr&under)

All prices include DOC fees & port company charges.