Last updated October 2026
The Rotary Centennial Loop Track is a short DOC walk on Motutapu Island in the Hauraki Gulf, climbing through some of the earliest native bush planted by volunteers on the island since 1994.
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate and allows about 40 minutes for the 2 km loop. It finishes at Northern Junction, near Second World War military sites. Motutapu is joined to Rangitoto by a causeway and is reached by ferry, charter boat, private boat or kayak.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Rotary Centennial Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Start
- Motutapu Island; finishes at Northern Junction
- Getting there
- Limited public ferry, charter boat, private boat or kayak; wharf at Home Bay, with Rangitoto’s Islington Bay Wharf nearby
- Distance from the city
- About 18 km from Auckland
- Walking time
- 40 minutes
- Track length
- 2 km
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Track type
- Walking track
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Rotary Centennial Loop Track
The loop climbs through one of the first areas replanted in native bush on Motutapu. Thousands of volunteers have planted the island since 1994.
The walk ends at Northern Junction, close to Second World War military sites. DOC says a torch is essential if you want to explore the tunnels and military sites.
DOC describes Motutapu as one of the oldest land masses in the Hauraki Gulf, at about 178 million years old. It was intensively settled by Māori, hosted Victorian picnic parties of more than 10,000 people, and at times during the Second World War was a base for over 1,000 military personnel. Sites of kāinga, pā, kūmara storage pits and middens can still be seen on the island.
Getting to Motutapu
DOC says ferry services to Motutapu are limited. You can also come by charter boat, private boat or kayak; DOC notes kayaking from Mission Bay to Home Bay takes about three hours and suits very experienced kayakers. If you charter a commercial boat, check it has a Pest-Free Warrant.
Before You Go
Bring water, as drinking water is not readily available on the island, along with a sunhat and sunscreen. There are no shops and no public transport on Motutapu. Beware of wasps and sandflies, and do not disturb nesting birds on the beaches from September to March.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s Motutapu page said the road approaching Home Bay Campsite from the south was closed because extreme weather damage had exposed high voltage cables; stay out of areas signed as closed.
Some WWII gun emplacements were also closed for safety reasons. Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park rules apply: no fires or portable barbecues, and no rubbish bins, so take everything home with you. Check DOC before you go.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Rotary Centennial Loop Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Auckland Council: parks, reserves and track information across the Auckland region.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Rotary Centennial Loop Track?
About 2 km. DOC allows 40 minutes.
How do I get to Motutapu Island?
By limited public ferry, charter boat, private boat or kayak. There is a wharf at Home Bay.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate.
What will I see?
Native bush planted by volunteers since 1994, and WWII military sites near Northern Junction.
Do I need a torch?
Only if you want to explore the tunnels and military sites, where DOC says a torch is essential.
Is there drinking water on the island?
DOC says drinking water is not readily available, so bring your own.
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