Landing is not allowed without a permit, with the exception of Burgess Island, much of which is managed as a scenic reserve[2] by the Department of Conservation.

The remainder of Burgess Island is Crown Land and is administered by the Ministry of Transport.

[4] The islands were often visited seasonally by Māori for muttonbirding, harvesting the chicks of petrels for food and oil.

[2] Today, the main attractions for the rare tourists are the very clear waters teeming with wildlife.

[2] Like many neighbouring Hauraki Gulf islands, the group is free of mammalian pests and being left to naturally regenerate.