Motutapu Island longer walks
Located in Motutapu Island in the Auckland region
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Introduction
Some interesting walks for kids with WWII gun emplacements and tunnels to explore.Take a walk on the Pohutukawa Track to view both young and mature pohutukawa, or make a day of it and walk the Motutapu Loop Track.
Dog access
Track times are indicative only. Ensure you have plenty of time to complete your walk and catch the ferry.
Pohutukawa Track
Northern Junction to Billy Goat Point
Time: 1 hr 20 min one way
Distance: 3.3 km
Northern Junction to Sandy Bay
Time: 35 min one way
Distance: 1.1 km
Sandy Bay to Billy Goat Point
Time: 45 min one way
Distance: 2.2 km
The track passes the three WWII gun emplacements which were once home to the six-inch gun battery. Take a torch and explore the tunnels.
The track dips down close to Sandy Bay before climbing along the ridge to Billy Goat Point. Both young and mature pohutukawa can be seen.
Motutapu Outdoor Education Camp – Islington Bay track
Time: 1 hr 30 min one way
Distance: 5.2 km
The track from Administration Bay is accessed by the coastal track from Sandy Bay, off the Pohutukawa track. It passes near Motutapu Outdoor Education Camp. Note that the camp is out of bounds for the public.
From Administration Bay the track clings to the coast to Pig Bay before moving inland across pasture passing several WWII bunkers and magazines. The track joins one of the arterial roads which walkers follow to Islington Bay.
Motutapu Loop track
Time: 4 hr 30 min
Distance: 12.2 km
A round trip walk through the volunteer’s forest, Northern Junction, the gun emplacements, Sandy Bay, Administration Bay, Causeway and return to Home Bay (or vice versa).
- Be aware roads around the island are used by farm machinery and vehicles.
- Bring water with you - drinking water is not readily available on the island.
- Bring a sunhat and sunscreen.
- A torch is essential if you want to explore the tunnels and military sites.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Take the right gear for your trip: Walking and tramping gear lists.
- Tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Send them the information directly, or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk.
- Follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.
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 32026 Devonport Auckland 0744 |
| Full office details | |
