With an area of approximately 150 square kilometres (58 sq mi), it is the eighth-largest island of New Zealand, and has around 52 permanent residents.

[5] The island was a traditional source of argillite (pakohe) for Māori, used in the production of stone tools such as adzes during the Archaic period (1300–1500).

In contrast, the west coast is marked by three large inlets: Port Hardy in the north, Greville Harbour in the centre, and Manuhakapakapa in the south.

[14] A barge service is operated by D'Urville Island Crossings between French Pass village and the settlement of Kapowai.

There is also a water taxi operating between the D’Urville Island Wilderness Resort at Catherine Cove and French Pass.

Driftwood Eco Tours donate each year to 'DISECT' (D'Urville Island Stoat Eradication Trust).

In 2016, Motueka-based Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles hosted a number of charity cruises around D'Urville Island in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Motueka.