According to Dr Joyce, it's encounters like these that show the importance of nature reserves such as that of Little Barrier Island.

"The role of the rangers on Hauturu is to support the strong ecosystems in place, as opposed to our newer predator-free islands where more active management is undertaken," she said.

Although many island in the Hauraki Gulf might seem far enough away from the mainland to be in their own bubble, residents on some of them, such as Great Barrier Island, have reported an influx of boaties arriving from the mainland in recent weeks.

That's despite the Government clearly saying recreational activities such as boating are prohibited during lockdown - even if carried out with members of your own bubble.

Locals on Great Barrier Island say boaties threaten not only to bring over COVID-19 from the mainland but are also putting pressure on the island's already scarce resources.