Last updated October 2026
Motuihe Island Campsite is a Department of Conservation campsite on the northwestern headland of Motuihe Island / Te Motu-a-Ihenga, in the Hauraki Gulf about 16 km east of central Auckland in a straight line. You can only get there by boat: a summer ferry, a water taxi, your own boat or, for experienced paddlers, a kayak.
The campsite is a few minutes’ walk from the Motuihe wharf and close to a sandy, sheltered beach. Bookings are required, and the fee is $10 a night for adults and $5 for children. Facilities are basic, with a toilet block and spring-fed water that must be boiled, and no bins, so everything you bring comes home with you.
Practical Information
- Location
- Northwestern headland, Motuihe Island / Te Motu-a-Ihenga
- Distance from the city
- About 16 km from Auckland (straight line)
- Access
- Boat only: summer ferry, water taxi, private boat or kayak
- Capacity
- 64 non-powered/tent sites, booked by party size across three zones
- Fees
- Adult $10, child (5 to 17) $5, infant (0 to 4) free, per night
- Bookings
- Required, online; DOC Campsite Pass accepted
- Facilities
- Non-flush toilets; spring-fed tap water (not treated, boil for at least 3 minutes)
- Not provided
- Showers, cooking shelters, picnic tables, barbecues, power or lighting
- Fires
- No fires or fireworks; gas cookers allowed
- Dogs
- No dogs
About Motuihe Island Campsite
Motuihe sits in the inner Hauraki Gulf, and the campsite is on its northwestern headland above the wharf. DOC describes a sandy, sheltered beach nearby and a good boat anchorage next to the campsite, and says you can explore the whole island on foot. Kiwi, kākāriki, saddleback and shore skinks live on the island.
There are no marked sites. Your booking is for the number of people in your party, and you find a space in one of the three zones when you arrive. DOC lists 64 non-powered and tent sites in total.
The campsite is simple. There is a toilet block and a spring-fed water supply, but DOC warns that giardia may be present, so boil drinking water for at least three minutes. There are no showers, cooking shelters, picnic tables, wood barbecues or fireplaces, no power or lights and no generators, so bring a gas cooker and a torch.
DOC also flags one hazard on the island: the historic water tower. Its site is fenced off, and you must not go inside the perimeter fence or into the tower.
The Three Camping Zones
Parade Ground
The largest zone, for up to 100 people, on the headland above Wharf Road. Follow the timber box steps about 100 m west of the toilet block.
Puriri Ridge
A zone for 20 people south of the sealed road among the pūriri trees, about 250 m uphill and around to the left.
Confidence Course
The smallest zone, for eight people, on the western side of the sealed road about 25 m uphill from the toilet block.
Getting to the Island
Over the summer months a public passenger ferry runs to Motuihe, and private water taxi charters are available; DOC’s page lists the operators. If you charter a commercial vessel, check that the operator has a Pest-Free Warrant, and note that commercial vessels using the wharf also need a wharf landing permit.
By private boat, DOC lists anchorages at Wharf Bay, Ocean Beach and Calypso Bay. The wharf is for dropping off and picking up passengers only. Experienced kayakers can paddle out, which takes about two and a half hours to Wharf Bay.
From the wharf, the campground is to the left of the road and up the path to the right of the toilet block. There is no transport on the island for camping gear, so pack what you can carry.
Protecting the Island
Motuihe is one of the Gulf islands that is pest-free or becoming pest-free. Before you leave the mainland, check, clean and seal your gear so you don’t carry pests, soil or seeds across. DOC also asks visitors to scrub soil off shoes and gear, use cleaning stations and stay on tracks to stop the spread of kauri disease.
Nineteen new marine protected areas are now in place in the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana, and DOC points to its website, the Marine Mate app and signs at water entry points for the boundaries.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Motuihe Island Campsite: campsite information, alerts and bookings. Campsite information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Motuihe Island Recreation Reserve: the island, its walks and biosecurity rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Motuihe Island to camp?
By boat only. A public ferry runs over the summer months, water taxis can be chartered, and you can arrive by private boat or, if you are an experienced kayaker, by kayak.
Do I need to book?
Yes. Bookings are required, and DOC keeps no spaces for people who arrive without one. Same-day online bookings are open until 8 pm if space remains.
How much does it cost?
$10 a night for adults, $5 for children aged 5 to 17, and free for infants. The DOC Campsite Pass can be used if booked online first.
Is there drinking water?
There is a spring-fed supply, but giardia may be present, so boil water for at least three minutes before drinking.
Are there showers or cooking facilities?
No. There is a toilet block, but no showers, cooking shelters, picnic tables or barbecues. Bring a gas cooker.
Can I have a campfire?
No. Fires and fireworks are not allowed. Gas cookers are fine.
Can I bring my dog?
No. DOC lists the campsite as no dogs.
What do I do with rubbish?
Take it home. There are no rubbish bins anywhere on the island.
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