Walk through regenerating native bush and coastal grassland on this pest-free island sanctuary in the Hauraki Gulf. Multiple track options let you explore beaches, pa sites, and viewpoints where kiwi roam freely at night.
Distance: Multiple tracks, 1-2 hours each
Time: 2-4 hours to explore the island properly
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Track type: Mix of grass tracks, coastal paths, and beach sections
Dogs: Not allowed (pest-free sanctuary)
Camping: Yes, bookings required ($6/adult, $3/child per night)
Motuora Island sits in the Hauraki Gulf between Kawau Island and the Mahurangi Peninsula, about 1.5 hours north of Auckland.
The island is 80 hectares with no shops, no drinking water for sale, and no commercial facilities. Bring everything you need.
DOC doesn’t maintain one single “loop” – instead, there are multiple interconnected tracks you can combine based on time and energy.
Time: 1-2 hours return from Home Bay
What you’ll see: Open paddocks being replanted, Hauraki Gulf views, clifftop walking
Start at Home Bay and head through grassland gradually filling in with native plantings. The track climbs steadily with views opening up across the gulf to Kawau Island and the Coromandel Peninsula. At the northern tip, the track curves around and returns along the cliff edge before rejoining the main path above Home Bay.
This is the most exposed section – full sun most of the way. On hot days it’s punishing without water and hat.
Time: 30-40 minutes return from Home Bay
What you’ll see: Sheltered bay, coastal forest, water tanks
Head uphill from Home Bay past concrete water tanks, then descend to Still Bay on the eastern side of the island. This bay is protected from westerly weather and makes a good picnic spot. The track passes through more mature regenerating bush compared to the northern sections.
Time: 1.5-2 hours
What you’ll see: Bush, pa sites, beach walking
Follow the Still Bay track to the water tanks, then continue south. Pass the lookout turnoff before descending through bush to Macrocarpa Bay. From there you can walk the beach back to Home Bay. Note: The beach section may not be passable at spring high tides – check tide times before committing to this route.
This gives you the best variety – bush, views, and beach walking all in one circuit.
Most visitors combine sections to create their own route. You can easily spend 2-4 hours exploring if you stop to swim, watch birds, or just sit at the viewpoints. The pa sites near the summit are worth finding – interpretive signs explain the archaeological significance.
Well-formed grass and dirt tracks, occasionally muddy after rain. The northern sections cross open grassland that gets hot and exposed in summer with no shade for extended periods. Coastal clifftop sections have stunning views but watch your footing on loose gravel.
The Still Bay track offers better canopy cover – regenerating pohutukawa and broadleaf forest provide shade. Beach sections are tide-dependent and can involve rock-hopping at high tide.
This is a kiwi creche island – young North Island brown kiwi raised under Operation Nest Egg are released here until they’re big enough to defend themselves. The resident population sits around 100-150 birds. You’ll hear them at night if you camp, and occasionally spot them foraging near the beach at dusk.
Saddleback/tieke hop around at eye level completely fearless. Whitehead/popokotea travel in small flocks through the canopy making high-pitched calls. Tui and bellbird provide the soundtrack. Grey-faced petrels return to burrows at dusk during breeding season – the sound of thousands arriving is extraordinary if you time it right.
The island also hosts Pycroft’s petrels, diving petrels, Duvaucel’s geckos, shore skinks, and wetapunga (giant weta). In 2010, DOC installed decoy gannets on the cliffs. Real gannets arrived and started nesting in 2012 – the colony is slowly growing.
Walk quietly and stop frequently. The more time you spend still, the more you’ll see.
The campground at Home Bay sits right on the beach – white sand, clear water, no one else around except other campers. Basic facilities only: toilets, no showers, no power. Bring all food, drinking water, and camping gear.
Bookings essential: $6/adult, $3/child per night. Capacity 75 people total. Book through DOC website.
There’s also a small DOC bach (basic cottage) that sleeps 4 people. More comfortable than camping but books out fast – check availability months ahead.
Camping gives you the best chance to spot kiwi. They come down to the beach edge at night. Bring a red-filtered torch – white light disturbs them.
Water: None available for purchase. Bring 2+ liters per person for day trips, more if camping. There’s tank water on the island but boil it for 3 minutes before drinking.
Day trips:
Camping (add to above):
Motuora has archaeological sites from early Maori occupation – pa terraces and kumara pits are visible near the summit. The island was later cleared for farming, leaving only remnant pohutukawa on coastal cliffs.
In 1990, the local community, Forest & Bird, and DOC started restoration work. The Motuora Restoration Society (established 1995) has led a massive replanting program – thousands of native seedlings going in each year. The transformation from bare farmland to regenerating forest is dramatic and ongoing.
The island has remained pest-free throughout its farming history – no rats, stoats, ferrets, or feral cats. This made it perfect for reintroducing threatened species. It’s now one of the Hauraki Gulf’s most successful restoration projects.
The island gets hot in summer with limited shade on many tracks. Start early or visit in spring/autumn for more comfortable walking.
If you’re day-tripping, allow at least 4-5 hours on the island to properly explore. Rushing through in 2 hours misses the point – this place rewards slow observation.
Camping overnight transforms the experience. You’ll have the island essentially to yourself once day visitors leave. The night sky is spectacular, and the dawn chorus of native birds is worth the effort alone.
The kiwi are genuinely numerous. If you camp and walk the beach edge with a red torch after dark, your chances of spotting one are excellent.
Water taxis typically don’t run daily scheduled services – you’re arranging a charter. Get a group together to split costs, or join organized trips that bundle transport with camping packages.
Book camping and bach accommodation well ahead for summer weekends and school holidays. Outside peak times, you can sometimes have the island to yourself.
Can I camp on Motuora Island?
Yes. The DOC campground at Home Bay has space for 75 people. Bookings required year-round: $6/adult, $3/child per night. There’s also a 4-person bach available to rent.
How do I get there?
No ferry service. Water taxi from Sandspit Wharf (near Warkworth), private boat, or kayak. Book water taxis ahead – they don’t run scheduled services.
Is there drinking water?
No water available for purchase. Tank water on the island can be boiled, but bring your own drinking water to be safe.
Will I see kiwi?
During the day, unlikely. At night, especially if camping, your chances are very good. Walk the beach edge after dark with a red-filtered torch. Stay quiet and patient.
Can I swim?
Yes, Home Bay and Still Bay both have good swimming. Water is typically clearer than mainland beaches.
How long should I spend on the island?
Minimum 4-5 hours for a day trip to properly explore. Overnight camping gives you the full experience – sunset, night wildlife, dawn chorus.
What if weather turns bad?
No shelter except the bach (if you’ve booked it). Day trippers need to coordinate pickup with their water taxi. Weather in the gulf can change fast – bring waterproof layer even on sunny days.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes for older kids with reasonable fitness. The tracks have some elevation but nothing extreme. The swimming, beach exploring, and potential kiwi spotting makes it exciting for children. Camping overnight is a great family adventure.
