What Is Campbell Island/ Motu Ihupuku Known For? Tour Of An Isolated Sanctuary In New Zealand

Jun 30, 2025

Last Updated on: Jul 10, 2025

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Campbell Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to sea lions and many other species of endangered animals and birds. 

However, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has identified that growing temperatures in this region and increased rainfall are posing threats to the rich ecosystem here. 

Extensive rainfall events and slips will potentially have the biggest impact on nesting birds. We’d also like to find out more about how sea level rise and storm surges will affect sea lions.”

– Drew Bingham, Principal Science Advisor, the Department of Conservation. 

It’s indeed a grave concern, as it is home to many marine and terrestrial animals and is even crucial for global environmental conservation. 

Also, it has fascinating stories of history and human intervention to share. So, the changing weather conditions of the island put a lot at stake. 

Nevertheless, Campbell Island is a popular destination for tourists seeking adventures in the subantarctic zones. Hundreds of people visit this destination every year. 

And in this Tour and Travel Blog, we will discuss what’s so special in Campbell Island, a fascinating story of shark attack and survival, and everything else you need to know. 

What Is The Best Time To Visit Campbell Island? 

What Is The Best Time To Visit Campbell Island 

One of the best Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand, Campbell Island, is ideal for a visit from November to March. These months make the island ideal for traveling because of:

  • Long daylight hours
  • Mild weather and calmer sea
  • Ideal for cruising along the coastline
  • Great for spotting wildlife such as seals, penguins, and albatrosses

Moreover, the temperature in these months ranges between 5 and 12 degrees Celsius. 

Do you want to know more about the weather of Campbell Island throughout the year? Have a look at the table below.

MonthsHighest TemperatureLowest TemperatureDays of Rainfall
January13616
February12714
March11617
April10518
May9420
June7319
July7218
August6419
September7318
October8420
November9517
December11616

What Is Campbell Island Famous For? Know Why It Is Worth The Adventurous Journey

Captain Frederick Hasselburgh discovered Campbell Island in 1810. With time, it became an important location for scientific observation, whaling, and sealing. 

It was also used as a coastwatching station after World War II. With time, Campbell Island became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and today, it has emerged as a popular subantarctic region for the following reasons. 

1. Dramatic Geographical Features 

  • Area: 113 Square Kilometers
  • Population: Uninhabited
  • Shape: Oval
  • Highest Point: Mount Honey (568 Meters)

The uninhabited Campbell Island features deep coastal bays, rocky outcrops, and steep cliffs. 

Further, thanks to its volcanic origin and the cooling and solidification of lava over a million years, this island has geographical features such as:

  • Peat bogs
  • Freshwater lakes 
  • Volcanic craters

Furthermore, due to its volcanic origin, this island has become home to many unique ecosystems uncommon in the subantarctic region. 

2. Campbell Island And Its Rich Natural Heritage

Campbell Island has many endangered species of plants and animals. They have contributed to the biodiversity of the island. 

Campbell Island cabbage (Azorella selago) is the most prominent name when we talk about the diversity of flora on the island. It worked as a source of food for explorers and settlers. 

Among the endangered fauna here, the Campbell Island teal birds are the most prominent. Other popular species are the yellow-eyed penguin, petrels, and albatross. 

Furthermore, elephant seals, dolphins, and various species of fish here speak volumes about the rich marine life. 

3. Conservation And Restoration Efforts In Campbell Island

The New Zealand government established the Campbell Island Nature Reserve in 2001. It banned human habitation and various development works here. 

Also, the Department of Conservation has played a critical role in protecting the delicate ecosystem of the island. 

In this context, the rat eradication program from 2001-2003 has been a milestone achievement. 

With all these conservation efforts, the island now has a growing bird population. Also, many other islands have taken Campbell Island as the benchmark for ecological restoration and development.

What Are The Things To Do In Campbell Island? 

A close interaction with nature and adventurous activities have been the best things to do on Campbell Island. 

You can also enjoy a cruise tour along the coastline. 

Things to Do in Campbell IslandWhat’s So Special about Them?
Birdwatching• Southern royal albatrosses (Campbell Island is home to the largest breeding population.)
• Black-browed albatrosses
• Grey-headed albatrosses
• Endangered bird species such as Campbell snipe and Campbell teal
• Terns
• Pipits
• Giant petrels
A visit to the Campbell Island National ParkYou will love the tree ferns and orchids here. 
Zodiac cruisingCruise along the coastline to spot elephant seals and various bird species. 
Hiking to Mount HoneyOnce you reach the mountain top, you will love the panoramic view of the island. 
Hiking to Northwest BayIt is a 16-km hike to explore the natural landscape of the island. 
Col Lyall BoardwalkYou will spot Southern Royal Albatrosses as you walk the boardwalk. 

Campbell Island Shark Attack: What Happened In 1992?

Mike Fraser, a meteorologist from New Zealand, encountered a great white shark attack while snorkeling near Campbell Island. 

The shark cut off his right forearm, and his left arm was also severely injured.

After a dramatic rescue mission and a 2,000-kilometer helicopter flight, Mike Fraser was saved. 

He then underwent prolonged medical treatment and got prosthetic arms. It’s great that he survived.

Campbell Island: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Campbell Island. 

1. Can You Go To Campbell Island?

Yes, you can go to Campbell Island. However, due to the remote location of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you have to visit the island on a guided expedition cruise. 
You can also visit the island on a helicopter. 

2. How Many People Live On Campbell Island?

There is no permanent human population on Campbell Island. 

3. Is Campbell Island Predator Free?

Yes, Campbell Island is predator-free. It had the largest rat eradication movement from 2001 to 2003. 
In May 2003, the Department of Conservation declared Campbell Island predator-free. 

4. Does It Snow On Campbell Island?

Yes, the high peaks of Campbell Island, with Mount Honey being the highest, experience snowfall during spring and winter. 

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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READ MORE best hotels in albuquerque

Albuquerque Ambiance: Top Hotel Picks For Every Traveler

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 28, 2023

Throughout its 300-year history, Albuquerque has drawn tourists from early Spanish settlers to sun-seeking tuberculosis sanitarium visitors who poured into the city in the 1920s and Route 66 road trippers. Visitors today recognize it as the world's center for hot-air ballooning as well as a popular destination for outdoor recreation. It is where more than forty tap rooms serve craft beer, and the local cuisine consists of spicy red and green chili sauce. Here, we have enlisted the best hotels in Albuquerque for your next trip. These hotels will change your idea about leisure as well as lounging. The variety of accommodations available in Albuquerque matches the diversity of its visitors. There are historic hotels with connections to the local railroad system or a boutique inn rooted in the indigenous culture of the area. Duke City's best hotels have what you're looking for, along with the basic peaceful retreat you may be looking forward to. Best Hotels In Albuquerque Albuquerque is the perfect place to take a year-round vacation due to its moderate, dry climate and more than 300 sunny days per year. Here are the best hotels in Albuquerque. Hotel Chaco Coming up first on the list of best hotels in Albuquerque is Hotel Chaco. The first new hotel in the area in over 40 years, it swung open its black-on-black doors with Avanyu carvings. It is a serpent design that is the symbol of the holiness of water in the high desert. This pattern frequently features in Pueblo pottery designs. It is the focal point of the Sawmill District's metamorphosis from a sleepy industrial hub to a thriving area for dining, lodging, and entertainment. The 118 guest rooms at the hotel have sleek, earthy colors and materials, like sinks carved from petrified wood, that evoke modern Southwest design. Unique Navajo (Diné) rugs from Toadlena Trading Post in northwest New Mexico, where weavers continue centuries-old traditions, adorn each room. 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Top 7 Outdoor Adventures In Pigeon Forge You Can’t-Miss

BY  Ankita Nov 29, 2023

Nestled amid stunning Appalachian Mountain landscapes, Pigeon Forge provides endless options for adrenaline-filled outdoor recreation beyond notable music venues and dinner shows. From outdoor snow tubing to towering ziplines, this destination proves ideal for thrill-seekers craving gorgeous panoramic settings across adventures. Here Are Seven Best Outdoor Adventures In Pigeon Forge You Can't Miss The area offers outdoor activities for all interests, skill levels, and ages beyond regional tourist draws. This comprehensive guide showcases seven exciting outdoor pursuits enticing any visitor to deeply experience Pigeon Forge’s admirable natural splendor legacy from new awe-inspiring angles. 1. Pigeon Forge Snow: Year-Round Indoor Snow Tubing In the heart of Pigeon Forge lies a unique attraction that promises year-round winter fun: Pigeon Forge Snow. 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Pigeon Forge continues growing into the ideal quintessential family outdoor vacation destination that visitors return to faithfully enjoy year after year as annual traditions, always finding new hidden gems and welcoming surprises along the way. Start planning your own Smoky Mountain adventures exploring untamed wilderness now while basking in expedient modern conveniences! Read Also: Your Guide To The Perfect Pigeon Forge Vacation 6 Tips For Experiencing The Best Of Pigeon Forge 4 Tips To Enjoy A Comfortable Stay In Pigeon Forge

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National Parks in Idaho A Comprehensive Travel Guide 2025

BY  Barsha Sep 2, 2021

When you are searching for a place with natural beauty, and historical ambiances, these national parks in Idaho are the perfect combinations where you can spend your holidays and feel the place’s historical vibes. These parks are the historical landmarks of the US. Not only the beauty of the palace is making it an attractive place for adventure lovers and tourists. For organizing the educational tours, these national parks in Idaho are the best places. These national parks in Idaho are the perfect places for adventurer lover tourists. The natural, adventurous hiking trails and granite rock climbing cliffs make the national parks the favorite places for adventurer sports lovers. In the list of national parks, most of the national parks are the most popular and historical landmarks like the yellow stones. Let’s see the six top national parks in Idaho. 6 Top National Parks In Idaho: The national parks in Idaho are the best places where you can see the lush natural forest, natural rock climbing mountains, and rugged cliffs and peaks. These parks are the perfect place to explore and find genuine mental peace. In addition, these national parks are the ideal place which is the natural playground for adventure lovers. Check out the names of the six most famous national parks in Idaho. 1. City Of Rocks National Reserve The city of rocks national reserve is a spectacular place that has natural granite rock formations. This national park is just across the state line from Utah. The towering granite rock formations are the greatest attraction of the park. The climbing routes range from 30 feet to 600 feet. Among the all national parks in Idaho, you will get experienced guides to guide you for the travel. Almost 65 campsites are scattered here and there for the tourists. And you will get all the camping facilities and equipment on rent. 2. Nez Perce National Historical Park Among all the national parks in Idaho, this is one of the historical parks on the list. This park has natural beauty and natural hiking walking trails. But along with hiking, you can explore the historical places of the parks. This national park was originally the home of the native American tribe Nez Perce. In the national park, you are getting two options. One is you can hike the national park. Other than this you can explore the museum and the natural campaign facilities. The park has individual 38 locations. So along with the museum, you can see the distinctive natural ecosystems and the climates of the place, which are a little bit unique from the other places. 3. Yellowstone National Park This is one of the best national parks in Idaho. The geothermal landscapes are making this park and a trendy popular place for educational activities and scientific excursions. The park was first to open in 1872. The geothermal landscapes are responsible for the distinctive nature and the living beings. And still, now the eruptions are taking place here. Large underground systems are responsible for volcanic eruptions. And after each eruption, you can see the big splash on the waters. Certain places in the park have very high temperatures. And these parks have the largest bison populations in the whole country. The supine forest, geothermal atmospheres, and bison populations are enough to make this park a perfect educational place to study. 4. Craters Of The Moon National Preserve This park is located in the central national parks in Idaho. The park is covering around 410,000 acres along the Snake River plain. The natural bush and the natural habitats of the places make this national park unique areas to explore. The whole park is full of scattered natural walking trails and different types of plants and bushes. This park is covered by almost 1,117 square miles. This park was expanded in 2000 by president Bill Clinton. The operations of the parks are jointly managed by the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. 5. Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument Central national parks in Idaho are all the perfect places to explore for educational excursions. However, these Follicle beds parks are not also unexceptional. This place is full of the natural follicles the different archaeological art affects. The whole snake river bed is the follicle bed. From the Hagerman follicles bed, you will get plenty of horse follicles. These horses’ follicles are all from the Pilosaone era. The natural dry environments are working as the natural preserver of the Focciles. In 1975 this park was declared as a genuine natural fossil-preserving place by president General Ford. This park excursion trip is a great source to learn about the archaeological discovery of the park. 6. Minidoka National Historic Site The national parks in Idaho and Montana are all full of history. And this Minidoka National historic site holds much more history of World War 2. This park is also situated in the central part of Idaho. This park is naturally beautiful as the place is long and covered with rich stretching green lands. This total area has a historical background and the history of World War 2. During the world war, 2 9000 Japanese Americans were imprisoned.  And in 1979, this place was counted as a national historical site in the United States. The site measures approximately more than 210 acres. The Minidoka national historic site and the monuments are the best attraction of the place. So along with the excellent walking trails, you can explore the significant historical ground to feel the site’s history. Wrapping It Up: The national are excellent places for every tourist. But for the adventure lover, this place is like an adventure playground. The arts, history, and natural beauty when you search for the best places to explore these parks give you all types of options. From the archaeological displays to the geothermal landscapes, all make these parks a perfect place where you can do the tour planning with your friends and families.