Motutapu Island shorter walks
Alert/Important notice
Bicycles are not permitted on Motutapu Island. Motutapu is now pest free - remember to check for stowaways!
Track category
Walking track
Description
Track times are indicative only. Please ensure you have plenty of time to complete your walk and catch the ferry.
Rotary Centennial Walkway - Home Bay to Northern Junction
View of Home Bay, Motutapu Island
Time: 40 min one way
Distance: 2 km
The track ascends through one of the earliest areas of native bush planted by thousands of volunteers since 1994. The walk finishes at Northern Junction, near WWII military sites.
Wetland Track
Northern Junction to Billy Goat Point
Time: 1 hr 10 min one way
Distance: 3.3 km
Northern Junction to Waikarapupu
Time: 50 min one way
Distance: 2.1 km
The Wetland Track passes through WWII telegraph and observation post sites. A short detour will take you to gun emplacements. The track crosses farmland to Billy Goat Point, passing the Waikarapupu wetland.
Billy Goat Point provides a great outlook to the north, and has another military site. Mullet, Station, Waikarapupu and Sandy Bays can be accessed from this track.
back to top
Getting there
Aerial view of Motutapu Island with Rangitoto Island in the backgroundAccess to Motutapu is by private boat, ferry service or kayak.
A number of private ferry operators run trips to Home Bay Wharf on Motutapu Island in the summer months. Check with the Auckland Visitor Centre for details.
Safe anchorages for private boats include Wharf Bay, Ocean Beach and Calypso Bay.
Motutapu Island is accessible to experienced kayakers. It takes approximately three hours to kayak to Home Bay. Several kayak operators offer kayak rentals and guided kayak tours to Motutapu. Contact the Auckland Visitor Centre for more information.
Transport on the island
There is no public transport on the island.
Plan and prepare
- Bring water with you - drinking water is not readily available on the island.
- A torch is essential if you want to explore the tunnels and military sites.
- Bring a sunhat and sunscreen.
Rangitoto/Motutapu islands restoration project - remember to check for stowaways!
Rangitoto and Motutapu islands were declared pest free in August 2011. The long term success of keeping pests off these islands and preventing reinvasion depends on everyone. You can help by:
- Checking your boat or kayak and gear for rodent or insect stowaways before you leave the mainland.
- Cleaning 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.
- Leaving your dog or other domestic pets at home - dogs pose a risk to the native species on this island.
back to top
Guides and commercial tourism providers