Image: Matthew Leong | ©
Home Bay, Motutapu Island.
Home Bay, Motutapu Island Campsite

Located in Motutapu Island in the Auckland region

This idyllic campsite right by the beach. Explore the island’s walkways, stunning coastline, replanted native bush and ever-increasing wildlife.

Total campsite capacity: 262 people

Overlooking Home Bay, the campsite is near the Reid Homestead built in 1901. A stroll up through regenerating bush to the Northern Junction (via the Rotary Centennial Loop Track) and you can explore various WWII military remains including the battery which defended Auckland's harbour.

Campsite rules

  • No fires at any time. Gas cookers may be used.
  • No fireworks at any time.
  • Pack in, pack out. There are no rubbish bins on this island. Take your rubbish with you.

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

Bookings are required all year.

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025.

All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.

Before you book, check transport options for getting to Motutapu.

Book Home Bay, Motutapu 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 east coast of Motutapu Island, in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands are joined by a causeway. Home Bay Campsite is a 1 hour 30 minutes walk from Islington Bay Wharf, or a 3 hour walk from Rangitoto Wharf via the walkway or farm road.

The topo map shows a "derelict jetty" at Home Bay. This jetty has been upgraded and is a fully functioning wharf.

Public passenger ferry and private charter

Ferry service is limited. The public passenger ferry operators that travel to this island only maintain a limited service.

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.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1772146, N5929032
Latitude: -36.76715738, Longitude: 174.928988
  • Water available. Water is treated and filtered but giardia may be present. For your health, boil drinking water for at least 3 minutes.
  • Motutapu campsite does not provide wood barbeques, fireplaces, showers or picnic tables.  
  • No fires at any time. Gas cookers may be used.
  • No fireworks at any time.
  • There is no power supply or light at this campsite. No generators allowed. Bring a torch.
  • Pack in, pack out. There are no rubbish bins on this island. Take your rubbish with you.
  • There is no transport available on the island.

Explore historic relics and the stunning coastline via the island's walkways, and enjoy water activities.