Fires, Smoking and Dogs
Fire is a real risk, particularly during dry summer months. For that reason, no open fires are permitted on the island at any time of year, even fires on the beach are not allowed. Gas barbeques for a picnic are permitted. Please use them on mown areas, well away from trees and rank grass. Having a bucket of water on hand is always a good idea.

During the summer, and at any other time that the island is dry, you are asked to smoke only on the beach and at all times, make sure your cigarette butt is truly extinguished.

If you see smoke or fire on the island, ring the Emergency Services. Their first response, after establishing that there is actually a fire present, is to get a helicopter in the air with a monsoon bucket.

Under the bylaws of the Whangarei District Council, the entire island (including beach) is off-limits to dogs all year round. The main reason for this is to prevent disturbance to shore and land birds, including the many kiwi present on the island. Unfortunately the smell of kiwi is really attractive to dogs and as kiwi have no flight muscles around the chest area, even a gentle mouthing by a dog will cause internal damage.

Only specially trained and muzzled kiwi dogs are brought onto the island by Department of Conservation staff to find those kiwi that have not yet been fitted with transmitters.

Also see the Island Care Code page.