Maud Island separates Waitata Reach from Tawhitinui Reach. The island is nearly two miles long and is a wildlife sanctuary.
There is regenerating bush on the island, as it has been farmed in the past.
For the most part of there is deep water close to the shore, but on the peninsula, off the south-east end of the island, there are various outlying rocks.
The island gives little shelter from the wind in bad weather.
There is a light on the north-east end of the island near the World War II gun emplacement.
Although there is a wharf at the eastern side of the island, landing is prohibited without prior clearance from the Department of Conservation.
