Image: Seamoor | Creative Commons
Boats at Motuihe.
Motuihe Island Campsite

Located in Motuihe Island in the Auckland region

Camp on the headland near a sandy, sheltered beach and explore the island by foot. Good boat anchorage. Home to kiwi, kākāriki, saddleback and shore skink.

Campsite zones

The Motuihe Campsite is divided into zones.

  • Confidence Course: 8 people on the western side of the sealed road, 25 m uphill from the toilet block. 
  • Parade Ground: 100 people on the headland above wharf road. Follow the timber box steps 100 m west of the toilet block. 
  • Puriri Ridge: 20 peoples south of the sealed road amongst the puriri trees. Go uphill and around to the left (250 m).

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $5 per night
  • Infant (0 - 4 years): free

Passes

The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite. 

Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book. 

Bookings

Advance bookings are required throughout the year.

Book Motuihe (Island) campsite online.

A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.

Your booking will be for the number of people in your party – there are no designated sites. Find space for your party on arrival.

Located on the North-western headland of Motuihe Island/Te Motu-a-Ihenga. There is a good boat anchorage adjacent to the Motuihe campsite.

The campground is to the left of the road coming off the Motuihe wharf, up the path to the right of the toilet block, only a few minutes walk from Motuihe wharf.

There is no transport available on the island to transport camping equipment.

Public passenger ferry and private charter

Over the summer months Red Boats run services to Motuihe. Motuihe Island Ferry Auckland | The Red Boats

Private charters to Motuihe Island are also available. Auckland Sea Shuttles Water Taxi

If you are chartering a commercial vessel to the island, check the operator has a Pest-Free Warrant. Commercial vessels that use the wharf will also need a wharf landing permit.

Find authorised transport operators to this island.

Private boat

If arriving by private boat, there are several safe anchorages including Wharf Bay, Ocean Beach and Calypso Bay. Note that the wharf is only available for dropping off and picking up passengers.

Kayak

The island is accessible by experienced kayakers. It takes approximately two and a half hours to kayak to Wharf Bay. Several kayak operators offer kayak rentals and guided kayak tours.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1772695, N5925165
Latitude: -36.80361291, Longitude: 174.93584276
  • Motuihe campsite does not provide wood barbeques, fireplaces, showers, picnic tables or cooking shelters.  
  • No fires. No fireworks. Gas cookers may be used.
  • There is no power supply or light at this campsite. No generators. Bring a torch.
  • Water available–this campsite has a spring-fed rural water supply. Giardia may be present. For your health, boil drinking water for at least 3 minutes.
  • Pack in, pack out. There are no rubbish bins on this island. Take your rubbish with you.
  • The historic water tower is a major hazard, and the site is fenced off. Do not enter the inside of the perimeter fence or the tower.

Camp only minutes from clear sheltered beaches and easily explore the entire island by foot.