[2] The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "large hill" for Pukenui.

Red deer and stoats had been eradicated between 2001 and 2005, and subsequently endangered endemic birds including tīeke (saddleback), mohua (yellowhead) and kākāpō, have been relocated to the island.

The island is one of only nine islands in the area that is completely free of introduced mammalian pests and is 2.5 km (1.6 mi) from the New Zealand mainland, which makes it relatively safe from repeat incursions by stoat and deer.

These birds are managed by the Kākāpō Recovery Team, which is a part of the New Zealand Department of Conservation.

Pukenui has rimu forest, an important food source for the species.