Image: Brian Gunn | Creative Commons
Small building on hill by trees.
Motukawanui Hut

Located in Motukawanui Island Scenic Reserve in the Northland region

Accessed by boat, Motukawanui Hut is a good base to experience Northland's Cavalli Islands. Stay overnight at this serviced platform-style bunk hut (sleeps 12).

Facilities

  • Lighting by candle
  • Cold tap water
  • Composting toilet
  • Platform bunks

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $25 per night
  • Youth (5–17 years): $12.50 per night
  • Child/Infant (0–4 years): free

Hut tickets cannot be used at this hut.

Backcountry Hut Passes can be used in this hut. Passes can be used unlimited for a 6 or 12 month period for most Serviced and Standard huts.

How to pay with your Backcountry Hut Pass.

About hut tickets and passes | Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes

Bookings

Bookings for the 2026/27 season open at 12 noon on Tuesday 12 May 2026.  

  • If no availability shows online for your dates, the hut is fully booked.
  • No spaces are kept for visitors arriving without a booking.
  • Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
  • Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

Bookings are required all year.

Book Motukawanui Hut online.

Your hut booking is for any bunk bed, not for a specific bunk bed – select your bunk bed on arrival.

Access to the island is by boat only.

The hut is in Waiiti Bay on Motukawanui Island.

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: AV29

Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1685593, N6125770
  • Camping is not permitted due to the risk of fire, which poses a huge threat to the kiwi population and other wildlife on the island. Toilet waste from campers may pollute waterways or damage archaeological sites.
  • Wai-iti Bay is sheltered with a sandy beach suitable for swimming and snorkelling as well as the safe beaching of dinghies and kayaks.
  • No dogs.
  • The hut is locked. You will receive instructions on getting the access code in your booking confirmation letter.

Weather

The weather can change rather quickly in the channel crossing over to the island, so it is advisable to consider this when preparing to cross, ensuring also that all safety procedures are met. Read the Maritime Safety leaflet.