Fisherman Island (Motuareroiti)

Small wildlife sanctuary island best circled by kayak

InsideAbel Tasman National Park

Overview

Just south‑southwest of Motuareronui/Adele, Motuareroiti/Fisherman Island is a small, uninhabited speck of granite set within the calm, golden‑sand seascape of the Astrolabe area. The dual names were formalised in 2014, with Motuareroiti meaning the "little tongue‑shaped island." It’s quiet, undeveloped, and all about the wildlife and seascapes.

What You'll See

Around Fisherman (and neighboring Adele), you’re likely to spot kekeno/New Zealand fur seals hauled out on rocks, and guides commonly report little blue penguins in the area. Birdlife benefits from active pest control across this offshore island group, with robins/toutouwai spreading to Fisherman and saddlebacks/tīeke returned to Adele. Give wildlife generous space and enjoy the show from the water.

Access and Rules

You can visit by boat or kayak. There are no toilets and camping isn’t permitted on Fisherman or Adele. Dogs and fires (including beach fires/BBQs) are prohibited. Before landing, check your boat, bags, and clothing for pests and seeds—DOC asks all visitors to do a biosecurity clean to help keep these islands predator‑free. Tonga and Pinnacle Islands nearby are specially protected and require permits, so don’t land there without one.

Geology Snapshot

Fisherman sits on Separation Point Granite—the same rock that weathers into those iconic golden sands and offshore granite reefs. It’s a neat place to see the coast’s geology up close from the waterline.

How Most People Do It

Most visitors paddle or cruise out of Kaiteriteri or Mārahau, circling Adele and skirting Fisherman to watch seals and seabirds. It’s a classic half‑day on calm days; water taxis can support one‑way or shorter outings along the mainland beaches if you’re mixing paddling and walking.

Best Time to Visit

There are no set hours. Aim for days with light winds and plan around tides—some spots are only practical near low tide. If you’re here in the breeding season, you may see seal pups around Adele/Fisherman; keep extra distance and view from the water.

Practicalities and Etiquette

No facilities—plan toilet stops on the mainland (for example, Apple Tree Bay).
Report any wildlife disturbance to the DOC hotline (0800 DOC HOT) with time, place, and details if you can.
Consider the free Abel Tasman app for up‑to‑date tides, weather, and points of interest.
Be self‑sufficient on the water and factor in winds and currents; some sections can be impassable except at low tide.

Pros

Great wildlife viewing by kayak, with seals and seabirds nearby
Easy add‑on to half‑day paddles from Kaiteriteri or Mārahau

Cons

No toilets or camping; zero facilities on the island
Access is by boat/kayak only and conditions depend on wind and tides

Tips

Inspect and clean boats, bags, and clothing before landing to meet DOC biosecurity requests.
No toilets or camping—use mainland facilities like Apple Tree Bay before launching.
Give seals and penguins plenty of space; view from the water if pups are present.
Plan around wind and tides; some sections are only practical near low tide.
Base your paddle from Kaiteriteri or Mārahau and include a loop around Adele.