Motutapu Island Walks

Loop

Getting There

Getting to Motutapu is half the fun! Because the island is completely car-free, there is no vehicle access.

To get there, you will need to catch a passenger ferry from the downtown Auckland Ferry Terminal (located on Quay Street). Ferries run regularly to Rangitoto Island (where you can walk across the causeway to Motutapu), and direct sailings to Home Bay Wharf on Motutapu are available on select days and weekends.

If you are driving to the ferry terminal in Auckland, you can park your car in one of the secure multi-storey parking buildings near downtown, such as the Downtown Car Park or the Britomart Car Park.

Wildlife Spotting

Thanks to an incredibly successful pest eradication programme and the tireless work of the Motutapu Restoration Trust, the island is completely predator-free. This has allowed native New Zealand wildlife to absolutely thrive.

• Tīeke (Saddleback): Very common year-round. You will likely hear their loud, chattering calls before you see them. Look for their distinctive bright orange "saddle" as they flit through the regenerating forest canopy.
• Korimako (Bellbird): Common year-round. Their beautiful, bell-like song fills the forested valleys.
• Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon): Common year-round. These large, clumsy birds can often be heard whooshing through the air or munching on berries in the native trees.
• Kākāriki (Red-crowned Parakeet): Occasionally seen year-round. Listen for their high-pitched chatter and look for flashes of bright green flying overhead.
• Takahē: This rare, flightless, prehistoric-looking blue-and-green bird is a special treat to spot. A small population lives on the island, and they can sometimes be seen grazing on the grassy flats around Home Bay. Remember to give these precious birds plenty of space.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Best Seasons: The walk is accessible and beautiful in Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Summer is fantastic for swimming and basking in the sun, though the heat can be intense. Spring and Autumn offer the most comfortable hiking temperatures. Winter brings crisp, clear days with unmatched visibility across the Gulf, though the grassy tracks can get a bit muddy.
• Best Time to Start: Catch the earliest morning ferry possible. Because the loop takes nearly 6 hours, starting early ensures you have plenty of time to explore the historic military sites, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and make it back to the wharf without rushing for the last ferry home.
• Sun and Wind Exposure: Much of the trail crosses open farmland with very little shade. The New Zealand sun is fierce, so bring a sun hat, high-factor sunscreen, and plenty of water (at least 2 to 3 litres per person, as there are no drinking water taps along the outer loop).
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or high-quality trail running shoes are essential to handle the steep gravel tracks, grassy paddocks, and occasional muddy patches.
• Leave No Trace: There are no rubbish bins on the island. Please pack out everything you pack in to keep this sanctuary pristine.

Local & Regional Context

Motutapu translates from Māori as "sacred island," and its history is deeply rich. Archaeological evidence shows that Māori lived here productively for centuries. When Rangitoto erupted violently from the sea bed around 600 years ago, it showered Motutapu in volcanic ash, preserving footprints, dog tracks, and garden sites beneath the debris. This unique geological event makes the island one of the most significant archaeological landscapes in New Zealand.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the island was farmed and eventually heavily fortified during World War II to protect the Auckland Harbour from potential invasion. Today, the island's story is one of ecological rebirth. Volunteers have planted more than half a million native trees, slowly transforming the landscape from pine and pasture back into a thriving, lush native broadleaf forest.

After the Walk

There are no cafes, shops, or dairies on Motutapu Island, so you will need to carry all your own snacks and lunch for the trail. However, once you step off the ferry back at the Auckland Ferry Terminal, you are in the heart of the city's best dining precincts.

• The Viaduct Harbour & Wynyard Quarter: Just a short walk from the ferry terminal, this area is packed with excellent waterfront eateries. Head to 16 Tun for a brilliant selection of local New Zealand craft beers and wholesome pub food—perfect for refueling after a long hike.
• Britomart Precinct: Located right across the street from the terminal, Britomart offers fantastic cafes and restaurants. Stop by Amano for some of the best freshly baked pastries, sourdough, and hearty Italian fare in Auckland.
• Quay Street Cafes: Grab a quick, well-deserved flat white coffee and a classic Kiwi savoury scone at one of the busy waterfront cafes to celebrate completing one of Auckland’s finest island adventures.