Pros & cons
PROS
- Wild, unmodified Fiordland scenery with dramatic fiords and forest
- Historic island sanctuary with ongoing conservation significance
CONS
- No facilities or services of any kind
- Access is by boat only and weather can be severe
Overview
Resolution Island (Tau Moana) is the big, brooding heart of Dusky and Breaksea Sounds—vast, mountainous, and utterly undeveloped. It’s the largest island in Fiordland and a place where the landscape still feels primeval: steep, forested ridges dropping to intricate waterways like Earshell Cove, The Basin, and the Five Fingers Peninsula.
Why it’s special
This was New Zealand’s first island bird sanctuary (1891). Richard Henry shifted hundreds of vulnerable birds here in a bold early conservation experiment. Stoats eventually made it across by 1900, but the legacy stuck: today Resolution remains a flagship for pest control and species recovery, with trap networks maintained to keep incursions in check.
What you’ll see
Think endless native bush, rugged coastlines, and big Fiordland moods. The surrounding Taumoana (Five Fingers Peninsula) Marine Reserve underscores how rich these waters are. Photos and traveler impressions focus on sweeping seascapes and the feeling of true remoteness.
Wildlife and conservation
Historically, birds like kākāpō and kiwi were transferred here; modern efforts continue to protect native fauna, and you may spot trapping infrastructure on the ground. Out on the water, visitors sometimes report marine life such as sea lions and dark-colored dolphins in the surrounding fiords. As always with wildlife, consider any sighting a bonus, not a guarantee.
Access and logistics
There are no roads, huts, or marked trails here—access is by boat only, typically on specialist charters or guided wilderness cruises. Bring everything you need; there are no amenities. Because this is an active conservation site, check for any permit or protocol requirements and follow guidance from trip operators.
Etiquette and biosecurity
Come clean: scrub boots and gear so you aren’t carrying seeds or pests. Don’t touch traps or monitoring gear. Treat the island as a sanctuary first and a destination second.
Best time to visit
There’s no real “crowd” to dodge—Resolution Island isn’t a standard tourist stop. The real gatekeeper is Fiordland’s weather, which is highly changeable and often severe. Be flexible and plan around safe marine conditions with your operator.
Where it is
-45.6709, 166.6213Tips for Resolution Island
- 01Arrange access via a specialist boat charter or guided wilderness cruise.
- 02Bring all food, water, and layers—there are no facilities on the island.
- 03Clean boots and gear thoroughly to meet biosecurity expectations.
- 04Expect highly changeable weather and plan flexibly around conditions.
- 05Do not disturb traps or monitoring equipment used for predator control.
Near Resolution Island
All places →All trails →
6.5 mi awayBreaksea IslandRemote sanctuary island with penguins and albatross seen from small boats
6.7 mi awayTamatea / Dusky SoundRemote maze of islands, wildlife, and history by boat only
7.7 mi awayIndian IslandRemote pest-free island in Dusky Sound with conservation focus
8.1 mi awayAnchor IslandPredator free wildlife haven in remote Dusky Sound
27.6 mi awayDusky TrackNZ’s grittiest hut trek: solitude, mud, and sublime Fiordland.Challenging · 52.2 mi · 216 hr
27.6 mi awayHauroko Burn TrackRemote, boat-in gateway to Fiordland’s mud, rivers, and big silenceChallenging · 12.4 mi · 9 hr
29.8 mi awayHelena Falls TrackShort, splashy stroll to a towering waterfall in Deep Cove.Easy · 1.2 mi · 45 min
37 mi awayMount Burns Tarns TrackShort, punchy climb to mirror-like alpine tarns above Borland SaddleModerate · 0.9 mi · 1 hr
