The Tieke Track is a scenic walking trail on Motuihe Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. This coastal loop track showcases the island’s regenerating native bush, historic sites, and stunning harbor views. The moderate walk takes approximately 2-3 hours and offers wildlife spotting opportunities including native birds in this predator-free sanctuary island.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 4.5 km loop track
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Grade: Moderate
- Track type: Well-formed loop trail with some steep sections
- Highest point: 80 metres
- Best season: Year-round, though summer offers swimming opportunities
- Dogs: Not permitted (predator-free sanctuary)
- Facilities: Toilets at Home Bay, camping area available
- Ferry access: Seasonal ferry service from Auckland
Map of Tieke Track Motuihe Island
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Step by Step Walking Directions
- Start at Home Bay wharf where the ferry drops you off
- Head past the ranger station and camping area following signs for Tieke Track
- The track begins on your left, entering regenerating native bush with a gentle upward gradient
- Continue through mixed forest of pohutukawa, ngaio and cabbage trees listening for native bird calls
- Reach the first viewpoint overlooking the northern coastline after about 20 minutes
- Climb steadily to the summit area where World War II gun emplacements remain
- At the junction near the summit take the coastal route towards the eastern shoreline
- Descend through more open terrain with spectacular Gulf views
- Pass several small bays and rocky outcrops popular with shags and dotterels
- The track winds back through coastal vegetation before rejoining the main path
- Complete the loop returning to Home Bay past the camping ground
Find More Walks in This Area
Explore additional tramping opportunities with our comprehensive guide to Hauraki Gulf walks featuring island adventures and coastal trails throughout Auckland’s marine park.
How to Get There
Motuihe Island sits approximately 18 kilometres northeast of Auckland in the Hauraki Gulf. The only way to reach the island is by boat.
Ferry Services
- Fullers360: Operates seasonal services from downtown Auckland ferry terminal (typically October to April)
- Journey time: Approximately 75 minutes including a stop at Motutapu Island
- Booking: Essential to book in advance as services are limited and fill quickly
- Return ferries: Usually run mid-to-late afternoon so check timetables carefully to avoid being stranded
Private Boat or Water Taxi
- If you have access to a boat you can anchor at Home Bay which has a wharf and sheltered mooring
- Water taxi services operate from various Gulf Harbour and downtown locations
- This option gives you more flexibility with timing but costs significantly more
Parking
If catching the ferry you’ll need to park at the Auckland ferry terminal. The Downtown Car Park on Customs Street offers all-day rates though it’s not cheap. Consider public transport or being dropped off to save money.
What Makes Tieke Track Special
The real magic of Tieke Track lies in what you won’t find here—predators. Motuihe underwent intensive pest eradication and now thrives as a sanctuary for species that struggle on the mainland. The Department of Conservation has reintroduced takahe, saddleback, shore skinks and several other threatened species that now call this island home.
Walking here feels different from mainland tracks. The birdsong is genuinely loud. I’m talking about a wall of sound that makes you stop and just listen. Tieke (saddlebacks) are the island’s namesake and you’ll likely spot these cheeky birds hopping about fearlessly. They’re curious little things and will often approach quite close.
The track itself meanders through various regeneration stages. Some sections feature mature pohutukawa that somehow survived farming days, while other areas show younger plantings filling in gaps. This patchwork tells the story of conservation in action rather than presenting some pristine fantasy wilderness.
Historical Layers Worth Noticing
Motuihe has worn many hats over the centuries. Maori occupied the island seasonally for fishing and kumara cultivation. Then came European farming. During both World Wars the island served military purposes with gun emplacements installed to protect Auckland’s harbour approaches.
The concrete bunkers near the summit make for interesting exploration. They’re safe to poke around in and kids absolutely love them. You’ll also notice old farm fences and exotic trees marking former paddocks—reminders that this landscape was cleared and grazed until quite recently.
More soberly the island functioned as a quarantine station for decades. If you wander towards the southern end you’ll find remnants of buildings that housed people awaiting health clearance before entering New Zealand.
Insider Tips Only Locals Know
- Bring your togs: Home Bay offers sheltered swimming and the water is surprisingly clear. After your walk there’s nothing better than a dip off the wharf.
- Pack extra food: The island has zero commercial facilities. No cafe, no shop, no ice cream van. Whatever you bring is what you’ll eat.
- Sunscreen matters more than you think: The coastal sections offer limited shade and Gulf sun reflects off water intensifying UV exposure. I’ve seen people turn lobster-red in under an hour.
- Early ferry equals fewer people: If you catch the first ferry over you’ll have the track largely to yourself until lunchtime when day-trippers arrive.
- Camping unlocks the real experience: Motuihe offers basic camping at Home Bay. Staying overnight means you experience dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active and you can walk the track without seeing another soul.
- Check ferry times obsessively: Missing the last ferry off means an unplanned camping trip without gear. Ferry schedules change seasonally and services can be cancelled for weather.
- Binoculars enhance everything: The birdwatching opportunities here are exceptional but many species keep their distance. Even basic binoculars will triple your enjoyment.
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Challenges to Consider
While Tieke Track isn’t technically difficult it presents some genuine challenges worth knowing about before you go.
Weather Exposure
Being on a small island means weather hits differently. Wind that seems moderate in Auckland can howl across Motuihe making walking unpleasant. The track has several exposed ridgeline sections where you’ll cop the full force of whatever the Gulf throws at you. Check marine forecasts not just city forecasts.
Limited Escape Options
Once you’re on the island you’re committed until the ferry returns. If someone in your group struggles with the walk or the weather turns nasty there’s no quick exit. This makes it less suitable for very young children or people with mobility limitations who might need to bail partway through.
Steep Bits Are Steeper Than They Look
The climb to the summit area involves some proper uphill work. The track zigzags to reduce gradient but you’ll still feel it in your thighs. Coming down requires care especially if it’s been raining as clay sections get slippery.
Ferry Dependency Stress
The tyranny of the ferry timetable affects how you experience the island. You’ll find yourself checking your watch more than you’d like, calculating whether you have time for another look at something interesting or need to head back. It’s worth building in buffer time so you’re not sprinting back to catch the boat.
Bonus Tips That’ll Make You Look Like a Pro
- Download offline maps: Cell coverage on Motuihe is patchy at best. Save trail maps before you leave home.
- Bring a rubbish bag: The island operates on a pack-in pack-out basis. There are no rubbish bins anywhere.
- Wear layers you can shed: You’ll warm up climbing then cool down in coastal breezes. A light backpack to stuff a jacket into is essential.
- The camping ground toilets are the only ones: There are no facilities on the track itself so use them before you set off.
- Tide timing matters for photos: Low tide exposes rock platforms and tidal pools that make for better coastal photography.
- Gaiters help in winter: The track can be muddy after rain and long grass holds moisture. Gaiters keep your socks dry.
- Bring a field guide: You’ll see birds and plants you can’t identify. A small guidebook adds educational value especially if you’re with kids.
Wildlife You Might Actually See
Conservation islands often promise rare species that conveniently hide during your visit. Motuihe delivers better odds than most.
Definitely Will See
- Tui: Abundant and vocal, their complex songs soundtrack your entire walk
- Pukeko: Wander around the camping area and grasslands like they own the place
- Welcome swallows: Swoop and dive catching insects especially near the coast
- Little blue penguins: If camping overnight you might spot these returning to burrows at dusk
Good Chance of Seeing
- Saddleback (tieke): The track’s namesake, bold and curious if you stay still
- Bellbirds: Listen for their distinctive calls in forest sections
- Shore skinks: Bask on sunny rocks near coastal sections
- Shags: Perch on rocky outcrops along the eastern shoreline
Might Get Lucky
- Takahe: These prehistoric-looking birds were reintroduced but don’t always stay visible
- Bottlenose dolphins: Sometimes cruise past the island
- Orca: Very occasionally spotted in the Gulf though this is rare
Best Times to Walk
The ferry schedule dictates when you can visit but within those constraints some times work better than others.
Summer (December to February): Most popular season with reliable ferry services and warm weather perfect for swimming. The downside is crowds and the track can get busy by midday. Book ferries well in advance.
Autumn (March to May): My favourite time to visit. Weather remains generally good but fewer people make the trip. The pohutukawa have finished flowering but native bush looks lush. Ferry services may reduce toward the end of this period.
Winter (June to August): Ferry services typically stop or run very infrequently. If you can arrange private boat access you’ll have the island virtually to yourself. Bird activity remains high. Pack warm layers as coastal wind bites.
Spring (September to November): Ferry services resume and native birds are most vocal during breeding season. Weather can be unpredictable with spring storms rolling through. Pohutukawa begin flowering toward December creating stunning red displays.
What to Pack
- Water (at least 1.5 litres per person—there’s no drinking water on the track)
- Lunch and snacks with more food than you think you’ll need
- Sun protection including hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Light rain jacket (weather changes quickly on the Gulf)
- Swimming gear if visiting in warmer months
- Camera or binoculars for wildlife watching
- Small first aid kit including blister treatment
- Insect repellent (sandflies can be annoying in still conditions)
- Cash for ferry tickets if not pre-booked online
- Rubbish bag to pack out all waste
Common Questions and FAQ
Can I bring my dog to Motuihe Island?
No. Motuihe is a predator-free sanctuary island and no dogs are permitted under any circumstances. This includes assistance dogs. The biosecurity rules are strictly enforced to protect reintroduced native species.
Is there phone coverage on the island?
Coverage is unreliable and patchy. Some carriers work better than others but you shouldn’t rely on having service. Download any maps or information you need before leaving the mainland.
Are there toilets along the Tieke Track?
The only toilet facilities are at Home Bay near the camping ground and wharf. There are no toilets on the track itself so plan accordingly before setting off.
Can I collect shellfish or go fishing on Motuihe?
The waters around Motuihe fall within various marine reserve and rahui restrictions. Check current DOC guidelines before collecting anything. Generally fishing from the wharf is permitted but restrictions apply to certain areas and species.
What if I miss the last ferry back?
You’ll be staying overnight whether you planned to or not. The camping ground charges fees but the ranger will sort payment in the morning. This is why bringing extra food and checking ferry times carefully matters. There’s no other way off the island unless you arrange an expensive water taxi pickup.
Is the track suitable for children?
Older children who are used to walking will manage fine. The distance and some steep sections make it challenging for kids under about seven. There’s no shortened loop option so once you start you’re committed to the full circuit. The island environment is generally very safe and kids love exploring the old bunkers.
Can I ride a mountain bike on Tieke Track?
No. The track is walking only. Mountain bikes would damage the trail surface and disturb ground-dwelling wildlife that the island protects.
What happens if weather prevents the ferry from running?
Ferry services cancel in rough seas or high winds. If you’re already on the island when this happens you’ll need to stay until services resume. The ferry company usually contacts booked passengers but it’s worth checking conditions on stormy days. If you’re planning to camp this is less of an issue.
Personal Experience
The ferry dropped us at Motuihe Island on a cloudless Saturday morning, and I immediately felt that particular kind of quiet that only exists away from the mainland. We’d come specifically for the Tieke Track, which loops around the island’s northern end.
The track starts gently enough through regenerating bush, and within minutes we were surrounded by birdsong. I spotted a saddleback flitting between branches—one of those conservation success stories you read about but rarely witness. The path alternates between native forest and open coastal sections, and it’s those transitions I remember most vividly. You’d be walking under a canopy of pohutukawa, then suddenly emerge onto a ridge with the Hauraki Gulf spreading out in every direction.
The climb to the summit isn’t particularly challenging, but my legs felt it by the time we reached the top. The views made the huffing worthwhile—Rangitoto dominated the western horizon, and I could make out the Auckland skyline shimmering in the distance. We sat on the grass near the old gun emplacement, eating sandwiches and watching a family of pukeko fossick around in the undergrowth below.
Coming back down, we took the coastal route past Home Bay. The water was that impossible blue that makes you want to jump in despite the temperature. A couple of people were doing exactly that, their shouts echoing across the beach.
The whole loop took us about two hours, moving at a relaxed pace. By the time we caught the afternoon ferry back, I had sand in my shoes and that pleasant tiredness that comes from a day spent outdoors. Motuihe isn’t dramatic or wild, but it’s exactly what I needed that weekend.
Walks Nearby
- Motutapu Island Walkway – A longer tramping option on neighbouring Motutapu with farmland and coastal scenery
- Motuora Island Loop Track – Another predator-free sanctuary island with excellent birdwatching
- Rangitoto Motutapu Coastal Link – Connects two iconic Gulf islands via causeway
- Bald Knob Track Motuihe – Alternative route on Motuihe offering different perspectives
- Headland Heritage Walk Motuihe – Shorter walk focusing on wartime history and fortifications