Motuora Island

Image: DOC

Motuora Island

Located in the Auckland region

Introduction

Come to pest-free Motuora for a picnic, or camp for the night. It's possible to hear and sometimes see (at night) North Island brown kiwi here.

Highlights

Enjoy the beautiful beaches, secluded picnic spots, and clear waters. There are several walking tracks, with chances to see a variety of native wildlife including kiwi.

No dogs allowed on Bay of Islands and Hauraki Gulf island reserves

No dogs.

Dogs are not allowed on island reserves in the Bay of Islands and Hauraki Gulf.

Place overview

Activities

  • Bird and wildlife watching
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking and canoeing
  • Swimming
  • Walking and tramping
  • 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.

Brochures

Find things to do and places to stay Motuora Island

About this place

Nature and conservation

Motuora is an 80 ha island in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Much of the original coastal forest and shrubland vegetation was cleared long ago by Maori and European occupants leaving remnant pohutukawa and karo/mahoe scrub growing on coastal cliffs.

In 1990 the local community, the Mid-North Branch of the Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society, and DOC joined forces to restore Motuora Island.

The Motuora Restoration Society (established in 1995 and made up of volunteers) has led a replanting programme which is now almost complete and continues to work to restore the natural values of the island.

Motuora Restoration Society website

Pest-free haven

Motuora has remained free of mammalian predators despite the island's long history of occupation and farming. There are no rats, mustelids (stoats, ferrets or weasels) or feral cats. 

The island is a crèche for young kiwi chicks raised under the Operation Nest Egg (ONE) programme. A resident healthy population of approximately 100-150 birds remain on Motuora.

Whitehead, Pycrofts petrels and diving petrels have also been reintroduced to the island, along with Duvaucel's geckos, shore skinks and wetapunga (giant weta).

In July 2010 a "fake colony" of gannet decoys was installed on Motuora. Since then, real gannets have been attracted to the site and in 2012 began to nest.

Getting there

Access to Motuora is by private boat, water taxi or kayak.

Private boat

If arriving by boat there are several safe anchorages including Home Bay on the western side of the island and Still Bay on the eastern side.

Water taxi/charter boat services

There is no ferry service to Motuora. However, you can organise a water taxi or charter boat. Water taxis are available from Sandspit Wharf near Warkworth, about one and a half hour's drive north of Auckland.

Kayak

Motuora is within kayaking distance from the mainland. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to kayak to the island from the main access points in the Mahurangi area. Several kayak operators offer kayak rentals and guided kayak tours to Motuora.

Know before you go

  • There is nowhere to buy food and drink on Motuora.
  • Bring insect repellent for sandflies.
  • Follow the signs and stay away from shore bird nesting areas.
  • Avoid walking over newly planted areas.
  • Smoking is only permitted on the beach and in the campground.

Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park bylaws apply. Do not light fires, or remove/disturb plants and artefacts. No bicycles or pets. Take your rubbish with you – there are no rubbish bins.

Some activities require a permit, such as weddings and events.

Contacts

Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland Visitor Centre
Phone:   +64 9 3796476
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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