Places to stay

Overlooking Home Bay, this campsite is near the Reid Homestead, built in 1901, and various WWII military remains. Explore historic relics and the stunning coastline via the island's walkways and enjoy water activities.

Aerial view of Home Bay campground,
Motutapu Island

Campsite pod descriptions:

The Home Bay campsite is divided into the following nine different areas, or 'pods'. The following pods are on the seaward side of the road:

Salty Sea Dogs (23 tent sites), at the northern end of the campground.
Nest & Fledgings (13 tent sites), in the middle of the campground.
Shore Birds (21 tent sites), adjacent to the historic foundation.
Boiler Bay (10 tent sites), at the southern end of the campground.
Heritage Heights (8 tent sites), at the grass end of the historic foundation.

The remaining four pods are on the stream side of the road:

The Colony (34 tent sites), at the southern end of the campground.
Night Owls (21 tent sites), near the large pohutukawa tree.
Sleepy Hollow (11 tent sites), adjacent to the northern Norski toilet.
Early Birds (11 tent sites), at the northern end of the campground.

Notes

Fires by permit only. No fireworks. Gas cookers may be used.
Bring a torch. There is no power supply or light at this campsite. No generators.
Water available. Water is treated and filtered but giardia may be present. For your health, boil drinking water for at least 3 minutes.
Pack in, pack out. There is no rubbish removal service on this island, so please take your rubbish with you.

Rangitoto/Motutapu islands restoration project

An operation to remove the last animal pests and restore Rangitoto and Motutapu islands is currently underway. The long term success of this project depends on everyone to prevent pests returning. You can help by:

Checking your boat or kayak and gear for rodent or insect stowaways before you leave the mainland.
Cleaning your footwear, clothing and gear and checking for seeds - weeds are a problem on the island.
Packing luggage and food you are bringing to the island in rodent proof containers - no open containers or plastic bags please.
Keeping an eye out for pests when unpacking your gear on the island.
Leaving your dog or other domestic pets at home - dogs pose a risk to the native species on the island.
If you see any animal pests on the island contact the island ranger immediately or ring the DOC hotline: 0800 DOC HOT.
Find out more about camping on pest free islands.

Getting there

Boat access only.

Home Bay, Motutapu Island.

A number of private ferry operators run trips to Home Bay wharf on Motutapu, and Rangitoto and Islington Bay wharves on Rangitoto Island, including:

Fullers run a scheduled ferry service to Home Bay during summer months -www.fullers.co.nz or phone +64 9 367 9111.
Reuben's Cruises - www.reubens.co.nz or phone 0800 111 616/+64 9 422 8881.
Abalone Cruises (on demand for large group bookings) - www.abalonecruises.co.nz or phone 0800 RED BOATS/+64 9 579 9574.

Motutapu and Rangitoto are also accessible to experienced kayakers. It takes approximately three hours to kayak to Home Bay. Kayaks can be rented from Fergs Kayaks: www.fergskayaks.co.nz or phone +64 9 529 2230.

Rangitoto and Motutapu are joined by a causeway. The Home Bay campground is a one and a half hour walk from Islington Bay Wharf, or three hours walk from Rangitoto Wharf, via the walkway or farm road. There is no transport available on the island.

Grid reference: NZTM2000, E1772146-N5929032

Facilities

Water from tap

Toilets

Activities

Bird watching

Diving/snorkelling

Fishing

Flora and fauna

Historic sites

Plan and prepare

Types of Conservation Campsite

Conservation Campsites are accessible by vehicle. You can drive to most and boat-in to some. Each Conservation Campsite is unique but the facilities and services provided at campsites are divided into three categories; Serviced, Standard, Basic.

Fees are charged according to the campsite category and the level of facilities and services provided. Find out more about these campsite categories.