Motutapu Island with Rangitoto Island and Auckland City in the background
Motutapu is much older than neighbouring Rangitoto Island, and completely different geologically and botanically. The island is mainly in pasture although forests are being replanted and wetlands restored as part of a major community project.
Visitors are welcome, and there are a number of roads and walking tracks to explore the island, which is joined to Rangitoto by a causeway built in WWII. There is a basic campsite at Home Bay.
Motutapu is mainly pasture, but forests are being replanted and wetlands restored as part of a major community project. Occupied by Maori for hundreds of years, Motutapu has numerous archaeological sites.
When you visit Motutapu, make sure you take a walk along the Motutapu Walkway and visit the many archaeological and WWI military sites on the island. Swimming, camping and picnicing are all popular activities here.
You can stay at Motutapu campsite at Home Bay.
Find out how to get to Motutapu, and look after this special island.
DOC is about to embark on an ambitious project to breathe life back into Rangitoto and Motutapu islands, creating a nature sanctuary right on Auckland’s front door step.
Learn more about how you can be involved with the Motutapu Restoration Project.
Find out about field trips on Motutapu Island. The 1500-hectare recreation reserve is the site of a major restoration project.
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Rangitoto and Motutapu pest eradication project
Motutapu Restoration Trust community conservation project
Motutapu Island historic heritage
Safety information
Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.
