Motutapu

About Motutapu

Just a ferry ride away from Downtown Auckland lies the legendary island of Motutapu. Motutapu, which means Sacred Island, has a history that dates back centuries and is much older than its neighbour, Rangitoto Island. The island is home to farmland, scenic walking tracks, World War II gun emplacements and spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf. Motutapu is currently undergoing a 50 year conservation project.

Rangitoto and Motutapu are both pest-free islands. They are sanctuaries for our native wildlife. Please help to ensure the islands stay pest free. Check your bags and shoes for seeds, dirt, any insects or skinks, mice and rats before travelling to these islands. More...

Activities and attractions

Walking:

Motutapu is a walker's dream. There are easy walks over pastures that connect easily to many places of interest, and command 360 degree views of the Gulf.

Military sites:

During WWII, Motutapu played a key role in Auckland’s coastal defense against enemy invasion. Gun emplacements, military tunnels and bunkers from this time still remain and are a must see on the island.

Camping:

For those wishing to stay on the island, there is a Department of Conservation run camp site at Home Bay, or alternatively the Outdoor Education Camp at Administration Bay offers bunkhouse and lodge style accommodation.

Picnics/beaches:

Motutapu has long been a popular picnic destination for Aucklanders. The island's stunning beaches boast untouched beauty, with expansive coastlines and golden sands. They're an ideal spot to lay down the picnic rug and simply soak in the sunshine, or are great for swimming and coast to coast walking.

What to bring

Make sure you take plenty of water, a hat, sun screen, snacks/lunch and sturdy walking shoes. Motutapu has no shops, so the last opportunity to buy food or drink is on the ferry. Drinking water is available at Home Bay.

To book

To book call 09 367 9111 or visit any of the Fullers Ticket Offices.

Child: 5-15 years inclusive (0-4 years are free).

Important biosecurity information

Our vessels are licensed by the Department of Conservation and the Auckland Council to visit islands in the Hauraki Gulf. We run a biosecurity system (on all our vessels) which meets the criteria to hold a ‘Pest-free Warrant’ for the Hauraki Gulf.

What you need to do to prepare for your trip to pest-free Motutapu Island:

• Please check your bags for stowaways: mice, rats, Argentine ants and rainbow skinks.
• Ensure your footwear, clothing and bags are clean and free of soil and seeds.
• Your lunch must be packed in a rodent-proof/sealed container eg. hard plastic.
• No open bags or boxes – everything you bring must be sealed or zipped closed.

CAMPING or STAYING OVERNIGHT?

Any camping or overnight gear (eg. tents, bedding, equipment) must be thoroughly checked for pest stowaways.

Food must be packed into rodent-proof/sealed containers.

If you have any doubts or questions about your packed items please ask sales staff or the boat crew.

Read about what you need to do in the Treasure Islands poster.

Visit www.treasureislands.co.nz for further information on biosecurity and the Pest-free Warrant.