Home Bay, Motutapu Island Campsite
Located in Motutapu Island in the Auckland region
Introduction
This idyllic campsite right by the beach. Explore the island’s walkways, stunning coastline, replanted native bush and ever-increasing wildlife.Access
- Boat
Facilities
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Activities
- Bird and wildlife watching
- Diving and snorkelling
- Fishing
Seasonal restrictions
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Dog access
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 pods
The Home Bay campsite is divided into different areas called pods.
The following pods are on the seaward side of the road:
- Salty Sea Dogs (23 tent sites) at the northern end of the campground.
- Nest & Fledglings (13 tent sites) in the middle of the campground.
- Shore Birds (21 tent sites)
- Heritage Heights (8 tent sites)
The remaining pods are on the stream side of the road:
- The Colony (34 tent sites) at the southern end.
- Night Owls (21 tent sites) near the large pohutukawa tree.
- Sleepy Hollow (11 tent sites) adjacent to the northern Norski toilet.
- Early Birds (11 tent sites) at the northern end of the campground.
Home Bay, Motutapu Island Campsite map (JPG, 889K)
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
- 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 pre-book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge.
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2023.
Bookings are required all year.
2023/24 bookings
Bookings for 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024 will open in 2023. The opening date will be announced on this page in late March 2023.
All bookings operate on a first-come first-served basis. We do not operate waiting lists for bookings for future seasons, or currently booked-out facilities.
Before you book, check transport options for getting to Motutapu.
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 a site, which will be allocated or selected 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.
Check you are pest-free
Check, clean, and seal your gear to ensure you don't bring pests, soil, and seeds.
Contacts
| Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 9 379 6476 |
| Email: | aucklandvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
No physical address Contact via email or phone |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 32242 Devonport Auckland 0744 |
| Full office details | |
| Kauaeranga Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 7 867 9080 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
995C Kauaeranga Valley Road Thames 3577 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 343 Thames 3540 |
| Full office details | |
