Last updated October 2026
The Motuora Island walks explore a small, pest-free island in the Hauraki Gulf, with tracks of up to two hours to the northern clifftops and to sheltered Still Bay.
DOC grades them Easy to intermediate and allows 1–2 hours return, with about 3.2 km of track in all. All three walks start from Home Bay. There is no ferry, so you will need a private boat, water taxi or kayak to get there.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Motuora Island walks 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
- Home Bay
- Getting there
- Private boat, water taxi (from Sandspit Wharf near Warkworth) or kayak; no ferry service
- Distance from the city
- About 38 km from Auckland
- Walking time
- 1–2 hours return
- Track length
- About 3.2 km in total
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About the Motuora Island Walks
The Northern Loop Track (2 hours return) leads from Home Bay to the northern end of the island through open paddocks that are gradually being replanted in natives. There are great views over the Hauraki Gulf on the way, and the track loops back along the clifftop to the top of the slope above Home Bay.
The Still Bay Track (1 hour return) climbs the hill from Home Bay, past concrete water tanks, and drops to Still Bay. DOC says the bay is sheltered from most northerly and westerly weather and is a lovely spot for a picnic.
The Macrocarpa Bay Track (1.5 hours return) follows the Still Bay Track to the water tanks, continues south past the lookout turn-off and descends through bush to Macrocarpa Bay, returning along the beach to Home Bay. DOC warns the beach section may not be passable at spring high tides.
A Pest-Free Island
Motuora is an 80 ha island free of rats, stoats, ferrets, weasels and feral cats. DOC says it serves as a crèche for kiwi chicks raised under Operation Nest Egg, and a resident population of about 100 to 150 North Island brown kiwi lives here; you may hear them, and sometimes see them at night. Whiteheads, Pycroft’s petrels, diving petrels, Duvaucel’s geckos, shore skinks and wētāpunga have also been reintroduced.
Getting There and Before You Go
DOC says there is no ferry to Motuora. Water taxis run from Sandspit Wharf near Warkworth, or you can come by private boat or kayak. Home Bay and Still Bay are both anchorages.
There is nowhere to buy food or drink, so bring what you need, plus insect repellent for sandflies. Stay away from shorebird nesting areas and avoid walking over newly planted areas. 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: Motuora Island walks: 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.
LINZ tide predictions: official tide times for New Zealand ports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Motuora Island?
By private boat, water taxi or kayak. DOC says water taxis run from Sandspit Wharf near Warkworth; there is no ferry.
How long are the walks?
The Still Bay Track takes 1 hour return, the Macrocarpa Bay Track 1.5 hours and the Northern Loop Track 2 hours.
How hard are they?
DOC grades the walks Easy to intermediate.
Will I see kiwi?
DOC says around 100 to 150 North Island brown kiwi live on Motuora. You may hear them, and sometimes see them at night.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC lists the walks as no dogs.
Is there food on the island?
No. DOC says there is nowhere to buy food or drink.
Can I walk the beach back from Macrocarpa Bay at any tide?
DOC warns the beach section may not be passable at spring high tides.
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