# Best Island

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Best Island Interactive map of Best Island Geography Location Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere[1] Coordinates 41°17′38″S 173°09′18″E / 41.294°S 173.155°E / -41.294; 173.155 Area 1.32 km2 (0.51 sq mi)[2] Length 3.7 km (2.3 mi) Width 0.7 km (0.43 mi) Administration New Zealand District Tasman District Ward Richmond Ward Demographics Population 88 (2023)[3] Pop. density 67/km2 (174/sq mi)

**Best Island**, previously **Bests Island**, is an island in the [Waimea Inlet](/source/Waimea_Inlet), an arm in the southernmost part of [Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere](/source/Tasman_Bay_%2F_Te_Tai-o-Aorere),[1] on the northern coast of New Zealand's [South Island](/source/South_Island). The island runs northwest to southeast for 3.7 kilometres (2.3 mi). It is connected to the South Island on the southwest and to [Bell Island](/source/Bell_Island_(New_Zealand)) to the northeast by causeways. It is in the Richmond Ward of [Tasman District](/source/Tasman_District).

The northeastern half of the island contains the Greenacres Golf Club.[4] The middle of the island contains farms.[2] The population is concentrated at the southwestern end. Legal access to properties is only from the sea, although private roads have been used for decades to give property-owners access. A plan for the district council to buy land for public road access failed in 2016.[5]

The island was originally called Bests (or Best's) Island after a local family.[6][7]

## Demographics

These islands are contained in the statistical area Islands Tasman District, which covers 15.94 km2 (6.15 sq mi)[8] and also includes the sparsely populated [Moturoa / Rabbit Island](/source/Moturoa_%2F_Rabbit_Island), Bell Island and Rough Island. The statistical area had an estimated population of 90 as of June 2025,[9] with a population density of 5.6 people per km2. Best Island contains almost the entire population of the area, with the population being 88 in 2023.[3]

‹ The [template](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Template) *[Historical populations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Historical_populations)* is being [considered for merging](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Templates_for_discussion/Log/2026_June_24#Template:Infobox_demographics). ›

Historical population Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 93 — 2013 96 +0.45% 2018 102 +1.22% 2023 90 −2.47% Source: [10][11]

Islands Tasman District had a population of 90 in the [2023 New Zealand census](/source/2023_New_Zealand_census), a decrease of 12 people (−11.8%) since the [2018 census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), and a decrease of 6 people (−6.2%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census). There were 48 males and 42 females in 51 dwellings.[12] The median age was 55.3 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 9 people (10.0%) aged under 15 years, 12 (13.3%) aged 15 to 29, 45 (50.0%) aged 30 to 64, and 21 (23.3%) aged 65 or older.[10]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 96.7% [European](/source/European_New_Zealanders) ([Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81)), and 3.3% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people). English was spoken by 100.0%, and other languages by 3.3%. The percentage of people born overseas was 20.0, compared with 28.8% nationally.[10]

Religious affiliations were 30.0% [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), and 3.3% other religions. People who answered that they had [no religion](/source/Irreligion_in_New_Zealand) were 60.0%, and 3.3% of people did not answer the census question.[10]

Of those at least 15 years old, 24 (29.6%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 48 (59.3%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 12 (14.8%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $37,700, compared with $41,500 nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 45 (55.6%) full-time, 9 (11.1%) part-time, and 3 (3.7%) unemployed.[10]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Tasman_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Tasman_1-1) ["Place name detail: Best Island"](https://gazetteer.linz.govt.nz/place/371). *New Zealand Gazetteer*. [Land Information New Zealand](/source/Land_Information_New_Zealand). Retrieved 27 July 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Islands_in_the_stream_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Islands_in_the_stream_2-1) ["Islands in the stream"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/lifestyle-entertainment/weekend/1393765/Islands-in-the-stream). Stuff. 16 June 2009.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Meshblock_2357102_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Meshblock_2357102_3-1) ["Stats NZ Geographic Data Service"](https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/). 2023 Census electoral population at meshblock level (2025 Meshblock) [Meshblock 2357102]. Retrieved 28 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Welcome to the Best Island Golf Course"](https://www.greenacresgolfclub.co.nz/). Greenacres Golf Club. Retrieved 27 July 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Sivignon, Cherie (18 August 2018). ["Tasman District Council steps back from plan to buy land on Best Island for legal road"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/83318060/tasman-district-council-steps-back-from-plan-to-buy-land-on-best-island-for-legal-road). Stuff.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Place name detail: Best's Island"](https://gazetteer.linz.govt.nz/place/49688). *New Zealand Gazetteer*. [Land Information New Zealand](/source/Land_Information_New_Zealand). Retrieved 27 July 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["The Recent Floods – The Waimea"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TC18861009.2.18?query=Best%27s+Island). *The Colonist*. 9 October 1886.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Area_8-0)** ["Stats NZ Geographic Data Service"](https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/). Statistical Area 2 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 13 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2023_SA2_9-0)** ["Subnational population estimates - Aotearoa Data Explorer"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/?fs%5b0%5d=Society%2C1%7CPopulation%20estimates%23CAT_POPULATION_ESTIMATES%23%7CSubnational%20population%20estimates%23CAT_SUBNATIONAL_POPULATION_ESTIMATES%23&pg=0&bp=true&snb=10&isAvailabilityDisabled=false). [Statistics New Zealand](/source/Statistics_New_Zealand). Retrieved 29 October 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_10-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_10-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_10-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_10-4) ["Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs%5b0%5d=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df%5bds%5d=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df%5bid%5d=CEN23_TBT_008&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.302000.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to%5bTIME%5d=false&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly%5bcl%5d=CEN23_YEAR_001). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Islands Tasman District (302000). Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census_2018_11-0)** ["Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census"](https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/statistical-area-1-dataset-for-2018-census-updated-march-2020). Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. Islands Tasman District (302000). [2018 Census place summary: Islands Tasman District](https://www.stats.govt.nz/tools/2018-census-place-summaries/islands-tasman-district)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs%5b0%5d=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df%5bds%5d=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df%5bid%5d=CEN23_TBT_005&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=doTotal%2Bdo1.302000.2023&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

v t e Tasman District, New Zealand Seat: Richmond Populated places Golden Bay / Mohua Aorere Bainham Clifton Collingwood East Tākaka Ferntown Ligar Bay Motupipi Onekaka Pākawau Parapara Patons Rock Pōhara Port Pūponga Pūponga Rockville Seaford Tākaka Tarakohe Tata Beach Upper Tākaka Waikato Waitapu Motueka Brooklyn Kaiteriteri Lower Moutere Mārahau Motueka Riwaka Moutere-Waimea Brightwater Bronte Dovedale Mahana Māpua Ngātīmoti Ruby Bay Tasman Upper Moutere Wakefield Woodstock Richmond Aniseed Valley Appleby Hope Richmond Lakes-Murchison Murchison Rotoroa Saint Arnaud Tapawera Tophouse Geographic features Buller River Dun Mountain–Maitai terrane Hope Saddle Lee River Mārahau River Maungakura / Red Hill Newton River Ngārua Caves Roding River Sams Creek Tākaka River Waimea Plains Waimea River Golden Bay / Mohua Appos Creek Archway Islands Cape Farewell Cobb Reservoir Druggans Dam Dry River Farewell Spit Harwoods Hole Lake Killarney Lightband Gully North-west Nelson Forest Park Rawhiti Cave Slateford Tākaka Hill Tata Islands Te Waikoropupū Springs Wainui Bay Whanganui Inlet Wharariki Beach Abel Tasman National Park Armchair Island Awapoto River Awaroa River Ballon Rock Falls River Fisherman Island Motuareronui / Adele Island Simonet Creek Torrent Bay Tata Islands Tinline Bay Tonga Island Torrent River Tōtaranui Wainui River Falls Tasman Bay Bell Island Best Island Moturoa / Rabbit Island Tokangawhā / Split Apple Rock Waimea Inlet Kahurangi National Park Brown River Bulmer Cavern Ellis Basin cave system Kahurangi Point Lake Matiri Mount Arthur Mount Burnett Mount Owen Nettlebed Cave Wharepapa / Arthur Range Nelson Lakes National Park Braeburn Range Lake Rotoiti Lake Rotoroa Maniniaro / Angelus Peak Mount Franklin Pourangahau / Mount Robert Rotomairewhenua / Blue Lake Rotopōhueroa / Lake Constance Sabine Valley Saint Arnaud Range Spenser Mountains Facilities and attractions Abel Tasman National Park Coast Track Inland Track Monument Appleby railway station Brightwater railway station Cobb Power Station Ferntown Bridge Gowanbridge railway station Heaphy Track Hope railway station Karamea Aerodrome Kawatiri railway station Langford Store Memorial Park Milnthorpe Model Motueka Aerodrome Moutere Inn Mussel Inn Nelson Lakes National Park Onekaka Ironworks Onekaka Power Station Onekaka Wharf and tramline Proposals for a road through North-west Nelson Pupu Hydro Power Scheme Richmond railway station RNZAF Dip Flat Rutherford memorial Stafford Place St Michael's Church Stoke railway station Tākaka Aerodrome Tākaka Pioneers' Memorial Takaka Tramway Great Taste Trail Tonga Island Marine Reserve Tophouse Tour de Vineyards Wai-iti Dark Sky Park Wangapeka Track Westhaven (Te Tai Tapu) Marine Reserve Wharariki Ecosanctuary Administration Historic Nelson Province (1853–1876) Collingwood County (1877–1956) Waimea County (1877–1989) Richmond Borough (1891–1989 · mayor) Motueka Borough (1900–1989) Takaka County (1904–1956) Murchison County (1909–1965) Golden Bay County (1956–1989) Nelson-Marlborough Regional Council (1989–1992) Current Council Mayor Organisations Golden Bay Air Golden Bay-Motueka Rugby Union New Zealand Energy Richmond Athletic FC Talley's Group Schools Collingwood Area School Golden Bay High School Motueka High School Waimea College Waimea Intermediate

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Best Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best_Island) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best_Island?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.