Boats at Motuihe

Image: Seamoor | Creative Commons

Motuihe (Island) Campsite

Located in Motuihe Island in the Auckland region

Introduction

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.

Highlights

All drone use must be authorised by DOC

A concession is required to fly a drone on any public conservation land - apply to fly recreationally or commercially.

Campsite overview

Access

  • Boat

Landscape

  • Coastal

Category

  • Category
Standard

Bookings

  • Bookings

Bookings required

Facilities

  • Non-powered/tent sites
  • Toilets
  • Water from tap
48 non-powered/tent sites

Seasonal restrictions

Fires are not permitted at any time.

Dog access

No dogs
  • Help stop kauri dieback

    Kauri dieback disease is killing our native kauri. It spreads by soil movement, but you can help prevent it.

    • Stay away from kauri tree roots.
    • Clean your gear before and after visiting kauri forest.
  • Protect our wildlife
    • Check - your gear for pests, eg. rodents, insects, skinks
    • Clean - footwear and gear, removing soil and seeds
    • Seal - ensure your gear is zipped up (no open bags)

    See island biosecurity requirements.

About this campsite

Facilities

There is now a Norski toilet at the end of the road on Puriri Ridge.

Getting there

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.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1772695, N5925165
Latitude: -36.80361291, Longitude: 174.93584276

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $8 per night
  • Child (5 - 17 years): $4 per night
  • Infant (0 - 4 years): free

Passes

The campsite pass for rental campervans cannot be used at this campsite.

NZMCA / DOC campsite pass cannot be used at this campsite.

Backcountry Hut Passes cannot be used at this campsite.

Bookings

Bookings are essential.

  • Bookings should preferably be completed online. Phone and email bookings incur a service fee.
  • Changes and additions to bookings will incur a fee up to $10 per alteration.

Book Motuihe (Island) campsite online, or contact:

Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland Visitor Centre
Phone:   +64 9 3796476
Fax:   +64 4 471 1117
Email:   aucklandvc@doc.govt.nz
Address:   Shed 19 Princes Wharf
137 Quay Street
Auckland 1010
Postal Address:   PO Box 105 469
Auckland City 1143
 

Before you book:

Campsite zones

The Motuihe campsite is divided into five different zones.

Confidence Course: 5 tent sites on the western side of the sealed road, 25 m uphill from the toilet block. 

Parade Ground: 25 tent sites on the headland above wharf road. Follow the timber box steps 100 m west of the toilet block. 

Captain's Camping: 8 tent sites located at the end of the sealed road, uphill and to the left (325 m).

Puriri Ridge: 5 tent sites south of the sealed road amongst the puriri trees. Go uphill and around to the left (250 m).

Range: 5 tent sites south of the water tank tower. Go left off the sealed road (375 m).

View a map of campsite zones (PDF, 1,828K)

In the area

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

Know before you go

  • 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.

Contacts

Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland Visitor Centre
Phone:   +64 9 3796476
Fax:   +64 4 471 1117
Email:   aucklandvc@doc.govt.nz
Address:   Shed 19 Princes Wharf
137 Quay Street
Auckland 1010
Postal Address:   PO Box 105 469
Auckland City 1143
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