Plan & prepare
Getting there
Access to Motutapu is by ferry service, private boat or kayak.
Fullers runs a scheduled ferry service to the Home Bay Wharf on Motutapu during the summer months - www.fullers.co.nz or phone +64 9 367 9111. Fullers also operate ferries year round to Islington Bay Wharf on Rangitoto Island.
Reuben's Cruises (www.reubens.co.nz or phone 0800 111 161/+64 9 422 8881) also offers a ferry service to Motutapu, as does Abalone Cruises - on demand for group bookings - (www.abalonecruises.co.nz or phone 0800 RED BOATS/+64 9 579 9574).
Motutapu is also accessible to experienced kayakers. It takes approximately three hours to kayak to Home Bay. Kayaks can be rented from Ferg's Kayaks - www.fergskayaks.co.nz or phone +64 9 529 2230.
What to bring
- Food and drink - there is nowhere to buy food and drink on Motutapu
- Good walking shoes
- A torch
- Insect repellent for wasps and sandflies
- A bag for your rubbish
- Sunscreen and a first aid kit
- Camping? Then you'll need your own fuel (gas) stove and spare fuel and your tent!
Rangitoto/Motutapu islands restoration project
An operation to eradicate the last animal pests from Rangitoto and Motutapu islands is underway. The long term success of this project depends on everyone to prevent reinvasion. You can help by:
- Checking your boat or kayak and gear for rodent or insect stowaways before you leave the mainland.
- Cleaning your footwear, clothing and gear and checking for seeds - weeds are a problem on the island.
- Packing luggage and food you are bringing to the island in rodent proof containers - no open containers or plastic bags please.
- Leaving your dog or other domestic pets at home - dogs pose a risk to the native species on this island.
Camping?
Often tents and other camping gear are stored away (under the house?) over winter providing a great hideaway for rodents and insects. Please ensure all tents, tarpaulins and other camping gear are clean and free of rodents, ants, soil and seeds.
Looking after the island
- Do not light fires. They can easily get out of control.
- Bring a rubbish bag and take your rubbish off the island with you. There are no rubbish disposal facilities on Motutapu.
- Do not move or disturb any plants or historic artefacts.
- Do not bring firearms to the island.
Non-compliance with these conditions may result in prosecution.