These remote, volcanic islands are the site of the southernmost known Polynesian settlement ever recorded.

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Lying hundreds of miles south of New Zealand, the Auckland Islands are a rugged, wind-swept archipelago. Though they have no permanent human residents today, archaeological evidence suggests they were once home to Polynesian voyagers as early as the 13th century, marking a surprising chapter in human migration history.

The Auckland Islands, a group of volcanic islands located 290 miles south of New Zealand’s South Island, are defined by a cool, humid, and windy climate. This remote archipelago, which comprises several islands and islets, is part of the New Zealand outlying territories. The landscape is characterized by steep cliffs and rugged terrain, with the main island rising to over 600 meters. The islands are geologically complex, featuring ancient volcanic rocks alongside sedimentary deposits that date back approximately 100 million years.

While the islands are currently uninhabited, they hold significant historical interest. Archaeological findings on Enderby Island indicate that Polynesian explorers reached this subantarctic environment around the 13th century, representing the most southerly point of their known settlement. By the time the islands were rediscovered by Western explorers in 1806, they were found to be empty. Captain Abraham Bristow, working for Samuel Enderby, claimed the territory for Britain shortly thereafter, naming the group in honor of William Eden, 1st Baron Auckland.

Following their rediscovery, the islands became a hub for the Pacific sealing industry. Between 1807 and 1894, dozens of vessels visited the archipelago, though the intense hunting of seals caused the industry to collapse by 1812. Today, the islands are recognized for their ecological value, having been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. They are also protected by the Motu Maha Marine Reserve, which encompasses the surrounding territorial waters, preserving the unique biodiversity that developed during the region's long isolation.

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