The public is being banned from staying on Matiu-Somes Island in Wellington Harbour because the dry grass is causing a high fire risk.
Matiu-Somes Island Photo: Wiki Commons
The Department of Conservation said people could still visit the island from 8am but have to leave by 1pm the same day.
The ban came as dry conditions caused fire bans in the far north, Central Otago and Canterbury.
DOC Partnership Manager Paul McArthur said if the dry weather continued, the public could be completely banned from visiting the island.
He said the restrictions were inconvenient but necessary to protect people, plants, and animals.