Rumoured to have many hidden treasures - kiwis, and the cement works - it was well known by Maori in pre-European days as a strategic bastion in the Whangarei harbour.
The wrecks of three ships are visible - the scow Bravo, the barge Victoria, and Tiri, Radio Hauraki’s pirate radio station.
The remains of the cement works - the first of which were built in 1858 - kilns, single men’s quarters, and the manager’s house, can all be explored.
The scenic reserve is owned by the Whangarei District Council, and administered by the Friends of Matakohe – Limestone Island Society Incorporated (1993), FOMLI for short. Friends of Matakohe - Limestone Island