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.

Campsite overview

Access

  • Boat

Landscape

  • Coastal

Category

  • Category
Standard

Bookings

  • Bookings

Bookings required

Facilities

  • Non-powered/tent sites
  • Toilets - non-flush
  • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
48 non-powered/tent sites

Seasonal restrictions

Fires are not permitted at any time.

Dog access

No dogs
  • Stop kauri dieback and protect kauri
    • Kauri dieback disease is spread through soil.
    • Scrub soil off shoes and gear and check it's all removed before you go.
    • Use a hygiene station when you enter and leave.
    • Always stay on the track.

    How you can help save kauri

  • Check you are pest-free

    Check, clean, and seal your gear to ensure you don't bring pests, soil, and seeds.

    See island biosecurity requirements.

About this campsite

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.

DOC/NZMCA campsite passes 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.

Before you book, check with the transport provider for available services.

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 9 379 6476
Fax:   +64 4 471 1117
Email:   aucklandvc@doc.govt.nz
Address:   Shop2, Shed 19, Princes Wharf
137 Princes Wharf
Auckland 1010
Postal Address:   PO Box 105 469
Auckland City 1143
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