Motukawanui Island
Introduction
View from Motukawanui Hut
Motukawanui Island (354.5 hectares), known locally as Motukawa, is the largest island in the Cavalli group. It reaches a maximum altitude of 177 metres and has a varied terrain with rugged cliffs on the eastern side and some curving sheltered bays on the west. It is the only publicly owned island in the group.
It has a varied terrain with rugged cliffs on the eastern side and some curving sheltered bays on the west. The island has had a history of early settlement. A survey identified 70 archaeological sites that include 14 pa and 36 pit and terrace complexes. The island is home to a wide variety of native bird species, including the endangered NZ dotterel. In 1995, the Department released North Island brown kiwi, which are now successfully breeding on the island. The Department of Conservation has a re-vegetation program, as the island has great potential as a sanctuary.
Location
The Cavalli Islands are located off Northland’s east Coast about 3 km north-east of Matauri Bay.
Getting there
Motukawanui can be accessed by boat. In good weather, you can also reach the island by kayak.
Features
North Island brown kiwi chick in
brooder
The island has had a history of early settlement that included land clearance as its main priority for cultivation then farming. Fire was used to control the spread of re-vegetation. A survey of the island identified 70 archaeological sites that include 14 pa and 36 pit and terrace complexes. These features suggest that the island was inhabited by a relatively large population, before Europeans arrived.
As the island is free from possums, mustelids and cats, it is home to a flourishing variety of native bird species. You will be able to observe many common coastal species as well as the endangered NZ dotterel, which breeds on the island. You might also spot Blue penguin and reef heron.
A 2004 survey of North Island brown kiwi on Motukawanui Island showed an increase in numbers of 500% over the last eight years. In 1995 Motukawanui was chosen as a ‘creche’ to release ten North Island brown kiwi chicks from around Northland as part of the first Operation Nest Egg programme. The chicks were released on to the Island to see how well they would do if given the opportunity to live in a predator free environment.
You will enjoy hearing the calls of tui, grey warbler and kingfisher. Other birds on the island include white-faced heron, pukeko, morepork and banded rail. Saddleback were released in the 1980s but died out, probably due to kiore. Fur seals are beginning to return to the island.
The Department of Conservation has a re-vegetation program. The island has great potential as a sanctuary for lizards, seabirds and threatened plants but the first challenge is the removal of kiore, which limit regeneration of life on the island.
Activities
Bird watching
Diving/snorkelling
There are many lovely beaches around Motukawanui that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The island is near the site of the Rainbow Warrior.
Tracks and walks
The Motukawanui Island Track traverses Motukawanui Island, which is the largest island in the Cavalli Island group. The island features archaeological sites and is home to many native birds, including the endangered NZ dotterel.
Places to stay
This hut is a good base from which to experience Northland's Cavalli Islands. You need to book this hut.
Camping is not permitted due to the risk of fire, which poses a huge threat to the kiwi population and other wildlife on the island, and toilet waste may pollute waterways or damage archaeological sites.
Plan and prepare
It is important that you adhere to the ‘No Dogs’ rule that is in place as this could have serious consequences on kiwi, New Zealand dotterel and other birdlife.
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