Motukorea / Browns Island sits in the Hauraki Gulf about 3 kilometres off the Tāmaki Estuary, a 135-hectare volcanic island managed by the Department of Conservation. It is one of the most accessible island walks in the Auckland region for those with a boat or kayak, with tracks leading to a 68-metre scoria cone, a deep summit crater, Māori pā sites, and the remains of a 19th-century paddle steamer. There is no ferry service — access is by private boat, sea kayak, water taxi, or charter boat only — which keeps visitor numbers low and the island quiet compared to Waiheke or Rangitoto.
Practical Information
| Location | Hauraki Gulf, approx 3km off the Tāmaki Estuary, Auckland |
| Access | Private boat, sea kayak, water taxi or charter boat only — no ferry service |
| Landing point | Crater Bay on the western side of the island |
| Summit walk | 25 minutes from Crater Bay to the volcanic summit crater |
| Longer walks | 90-minute walks to pā sites, volcanic features and paddle steamer ruins |
| Management | Department of Conservation |
| Entry | Free |
The Volcanic Landscape
Motukorea is one of around 53 volcanoes in the Auckland Volcanic Field. It last erupted approximately 10,000 years ago, leaving behind a prominent scoria cone with a deep summit crater and remnants of a tuff ring visible in the island’s coastal cliffs. The highest point reaches 68 metres and provides views across the Hauraki Gulf, back towards the Auckland isthmus, and on clear days to the Coromandel Peninsula.
The walk from Crater Bay to the summit takes about 25 minutes through farmland. The crater itself is well-defined — a genuine volcanic depression rather than a weathered hill — and the scale of it becomes clear when you reach the rim. It is a good vantage point for understanding the geography of the inner Hauraki Gulf.
Māori Archaeological Sites
Motukorea contains over 65 Māori archaeological sites, making it one of the most significant archaeological landscapes in the Auckland region. The island was extensively settled and fortified, with three pā visible including earthwork remains, terraces, pits and middens that reflect long-term habitation. The 90-minute walk to the pā sites takes in these features alongside the volcanic landscape. The name Motukorea refers to the oystercatchers (tōrea) historically abundant on the island.
Paddle Steamer Ruins
One of the island’s lesser-known features is the wreck of a 19th-century paddle steamer on the shore — a 30-minute walk from the landing point at Crater Bay. The ruins are a reminder of the gulf’s busy maritime history when steamers connected Auckland with the outer islands and coastal settlements.
Getting There
There is no public ferry or scheduled boat service to Motukorea. Options include kayaking from the mainland (Auckland Sea Kayaks runs guided tours to the island), hiring a water taxi or charter from Auckland marinas, or going by private boat. The island is about 45 minutes by kayak from suitable launch points near Tāmaki. Landing is at Crater Bay on the western shore — the beach is sheltered and suitable for small boats and kayaks in calm conditions.
“The island feels genuinely remote despite being so close to Auckland. The crater at the top is impressive — properly deep and well-defined — and the views back to the city and out to the Coromandel are excellent. We kayaked over from Tāmaki, spent a few hours walking, and it was one of the best Auckland day trips we’ve done. The paddle steamer ruins were an unexpected bonus.” — visitor account, Auckland Sea Kayaks
- Auckland Council — Motukorea/Browns Island: Official park page with access information and track details.
- Wikipedia — Motukorea: Background on the island’s volcanic geology, Māori history and conservation status.
- Auckland Sea Kayaks — Motukorea Tours: Guided kayak tours to the island including landing and walking time.
FAQ
Is there a ferry to Motukorea / Browns Island?
No — there is no public ferry service. Access is by private boat, sea kayak, water taxi or charter boat only. Auckland Sea Kayaks runs guided tours from the mainland.
How long does it take to walk to the summit?
About 25 minutes from the Crater Bay landing point. The longer walks to the pā sites, volcanic features and paddle steamer ruins take up to 90 minutes each.
Is Motukorea managed by DOC?
Yes — the island has been managed by the Department of Conservation since 1987. Entry is free.
When did Motukorea last erupt?
Approximately 10,000 years ago. It is part of the Auckland Volcanic Field and the scoria cone and crater are well-preserved.
See the Auckland parks and reserves guide for more regional parks and island walks across the Auckland network.