Ocean Beach, Motuihe Island
Motuihe Island has some of the best sandy beaches of the inner Hauraki Gulf islands, and these together with its clear waters, sheltered anchorages and visitor facilities, make it a popular destination for day visits and camping holidays. Walks around the island's coast, where rocky platforms alternate with sandy beaches, or across its easy-rolling pastured lands, give visitors a chance to explore the island, enjoy wide views of the Hauraki Gulf and nearby islands, and visit relics of the island's history.
Motuihe is free of animal pests and is home to the endangered New Zealand dotterel and saddleback.
The 179-hectare Motuihe Recreation Reserve features beautiful sandy beaches, along with sheltered anchorages and visitor facilities. It’s also the site of an active forest restoration project.
Access to Motuihe Recreation Reserve is by private boat or water taxi. Once there you’ll enjoy camping, swimming, walks, visiting historic sites and bird watching.
Camping is available on Motuihe. The island has boat access. Bookings are required.
Find out how to get to Motuihe, and look after this special island.
The Motuihe Project requires volunteers year round to help with restoration activities on this pest-free Hauraki Gulf conservation island.
Motuihe has had a varied history, which includes being extensively settled by Maori, farmed by Europeans and was the site of Auckland's quarantine station for 50 years.
The island has a long history of Maori occupation. A human and animal quarantine station operated 1872-1941, subsequently used as New Zealand’s primary naval training base to 1963. The remnant concrete water tower is a well-known Gulf landmark.
NZ weather
Motuihe Island map (PDF, 41K)
Motuihe restoration project volunteer opportunities
Motuihe restoration project www.motuihe.org.nz
Motuihe Trust community conservation project
Safety information
Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.
