Ignoring rules at pristine Donut Island spark fears it may be shut

As eyes adjust from the gloom of the cave and the secret paradise of  Whenuakura  Island is revealed, it is hard not to be filled with a sense of tranquility.

But it is quickly snatched away by the hordes of "mostly local" tourists damaging the delicate ecosystem and flouting the rules put in place to protect it.

In the busy months of summer the lack of respect is on full display.

A jetski thrums about inside the narrow cut filling the serene location up with two-stroke fumes, several groups lounge about on the shore, a prohibited activity, before stomping around looking for the best selfie-spot.

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Another climbs up the cliff face, where Tuatara once burrowed, to perform a 'manus' off into the water. 

The diver knocks his teeth on entry to the water but is relieved to hear from mates his smile is unaffected.

All this occurred within just a 30-minute period on a sunny post-Christmas day with hundreds making the 800m journey out to what's known locally as Donut Island off Whangamata every day.

Now residents fear visitors will begin to miss out on the unique attraction all together if the island is closed off for good to protect it from burgeoning numbers of holidaymakers.

"I'm sure it will happen if people do not respect the environment," Paddle and Pedal owner Chris Coombe said.

"We have little issue with overseas tourists who have more respect for the environment -  it is a local issue."

The island is a true wonder and a must-see of the Coromandel.  Paddling through a 40-foot high cut in the rock face off the coast of Whangamata reveals a lagoon nestled in a hollowed out island. Bush and trees reach skyward cradling the lagoon and cutting off the outside world altogether.

In the 1970s hundreds of Tuatara would lap up the sun basking on rocks surrounding the waters edge before retreating into their burrows in the cliff face.

Few visitors know the island and adjacent islands are privately owned by local Māori and Whenuakura has wildlife sanctuary status administered by the Department of Conservation.

Paddle and Pedal are just one company that offer guided, and self-guided, tours of the island. Official tour operators pay a donation to a trust which was set up to establish the Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary.

Having endorsed tour providers was identified as a key step in ensuring the island is preserved and the cultural profile preserved.

"The ultimate goal of the Island is to see the Tuatara returned to the island which will be impossible if people do not respect the rules of the delicate ecosystem," Coombe said.

"The Tuatara were taken away because people were selling them and making a bit of money for doing so. We want to see them returned and the island restored."

The rules for the island are very simple. No one is to step onto shore. No littering. No powered vehicles. Visitors are encouraged to visit with a certified guiding company to ensure these rules and adhered to.

Ecology is not the only reason a guide is recommended as entry conditions are not safe should swells occur. In Easter nine people were rescued as lifeguards braved swells and rock faces to retrieve people stranded on the Island.

Surf Life Saving eastern manager Chase Cahalane said the biggest cause of rescues from Donut Island comes when people over estimate their own abilities. 

"The main issue is people turning up unprepared," he said. 

"The tours and guides have been working hard to educate people on the conditions ans safety and I think that is starting to be known. 

"We have not had any rescues out there this season so far."

But Chris Coombe isn't holding his breath.

"I've seen people turn up with no life jackets, in howling wind and thought how the hell are they going to get out?" he said.

"I ended up shadowing them out just to make sure they are safe."

Coombe said education is important to ensure the hidden gem of the Coromandel is not closed off forever.

"It's about education before legislation," he said.

"We all need to do what is required and respect the rules put in place by the guardians of the land so that everyone can enjoy the piece of paradise.

"There really is nothing else like it in New Zealand."