A number of 'mainland islands' throughout New Zealand have been created to help protect native plant and animal species.
​Kaipūpū Sanctuary is one such mainland island.
In 2005, Kaipupu Point, owned by Port Marlborough and the Department of Conservation, was ‘loaned’ to the community to create a nature sanctuary.

​Managed entirely by volunteers and with the support of local businesses, a 600 metre long predator-proof fence was installed in 2008 and this created the first line of defence against mammalian pest species.
​The circular walking track was completed in February 2013 and Kaipupu Sanctuary was officially opened to the public in March 2013.