Motukiore Island
Introduction
Motukiore Island, just a stone's throw outside Whangarei city, is a 5-ha recreation reserve with a fascinating history. It was both an important vantage point for Maori in prehistoric times, and a focus of early European industry in Whangarei Harbour.
Features
Sitting in the middle of Parua Bay, Motukiore Island offers a perfect vantage point to enjoy scenic views of the Whangarei Harbour. Looking towards the open sea, you can admire the impressive Mount Manaia and Whangarei Heads on your left. Straight ahead, you can see the narrow entrance to Whangarei Harbour with Reotahi on the left and New Zealand's only oil refinery at Marsden Point on the right.
View of Motukiore Island
Mature poutukawa trees are sprinkled amongst the grassy paddocks, and the birdlife is abundant around Motukiore Island. Terns and oystercatchers are frequent visitors.
Small secluded beaches invite you to stop and enjoy the tranquillity or to take a swim when the tide is in.
The island was purchased by the Crown for the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park in 1974. Since 1987 Motukiore has been managed by the Department of Conservation
Location
Motukiore Island is located in Parua Bay, approximately 8 km east of Whangarei, 400 m east of the end of Manganese Point.
Getting there
Low-tide access to Motukiore Island
On foot, you can access the island from Whangarei Heads Road (near the Parua Bay Golf Club) and the end of Manganese Point Road. Walk along the foreshore (45-60 min), and then across the sandbar, up to 3 hr either side of high tide.
You can easily sea-kayak to the island or visit the island by boat, but be aware of the tide, as the area around Motukiore, Manganese Point and the Golf Club are very shallow.
Activities
Bird and wildlife watching
Boating
Child/family friendly activities
Historic sites
Kayaking and canoeing
Tracks and walks
The stunning Mount Manaia Track lies just a 15 min drive from Parua Bay along Whangarei Heads Road towards Whangarei Heads, and is well worth visiting while you are in the area.
View from Motukiore Island
The informal access to Motukiore Island from the Parua Bay Golf Club is an easy stroll along the beach. The walk takes you past mangroves and around a rocky point until you reach the sandbar that provides the only foot-access to Motukiore at low tide.
At low tide the walkway around the beach on Motukiore Island leads to a well preserved Maori Pa. Its ancient terraces are still clearly visible.
Plan and prepare
Remember to check the tide information for the day and time your visit to Motukiore Island so that you can cross the sandbar up to 3 hours either side of high tide.