Because its proximity to the lake creates a mild climate it is the only place in the Wakatipu Basin in which naturally occurring Kahikatea can be found.

Several native New Zealand birds can be found on Pigeon Island / Wāwāhi Waka, including tūī, kererū, bellbird, pipipi and yellow-crowned parakeet.

[3] As well as kahikatea (white pine) other native tree species include: miro, mataī, rātā, mistletoe and red beech.

The aim is to restore the islands to their natural state without introduced predators such as stoats and rats, including the reintroduction of bird and insects, the most successful so far being the buff weka translocation programme.

Many large trees including red beech and kahikatea were destroyed, slowing down the regeneration attempts of the islands vegetation.