Rat caught by department of conservation on pestfree motutapu. Motutapu, maori for sacred island, is an island in the hauraki gulf marine park. There are more than 300 maori sites recorded on the island, including the sunde site on the western coast, where footprints of humans and dogs have been preserved in layers of volcanic ash from the. Motutapu island is one of new zealands oldest islands and was one of the first to be formed amongst the auckland volcanic field. Auckland dolphin and whale watching ecosafari cruise. Meaning sacred island, motutapu is a peaceful, rural island with plenty of walking tracks, fantastic views across the hauraki gulf, and even some world war ii artillery relics to go and discover along the way. The tangata whenua of motutapu have a spiritual, cultural and historical relationship with their taonga.
Bookings are required, and youll need to make sure youve booked the correct return ferry from either rangitoto wharf or home bay when available. For waitangi weekend we are going to head over to rangitoto and motutapu islands for an overnight camping ad. Motutapu island otherwise known as motutapu is a 1,510 ha 3,700 acres island in the. Ferries to motutapu island compare ferry routes and prices. The short diversion leads you to the rangitoto lava tunnels, about 15 minutes each way. The island called motutapu is very old and sits majestically in the centre of aucklands inner gulf islands. It can be reached in 30 minutes by fast ferry from downtown auckland, new zealands largest city. Rangitoto island is arguably aucklands most beloved and omnipresent landscape.
The islands human habitation history dates back to 1190 ad when the polynesians settled here. The motutapu outdoor education trust an ird approved charitable trust was formed in 1991 and is the current concession lease holder operating the camp. Exotic birds such as blackbird, chaffinch, mallard duck, goldfinch, greenfinch, magpie, myna, rosella, skylark, sparrow, starling, thrush, turkey, yellow hammer have all been observed on motutapu. The motuihe campsite is divided into five different zones. Motutapu island auckland central 2020 what to know before. Rangitoto and motutapu islands are joined by a causeway.
This magical island is only 30 minutes from auckland central. Overnight rangitoto and motutapu island hike meetup. Islands in auckland flights to auckland new zealand. Rangitotos islington bay wharf is also near the island s western end. Looking for cheap flights to motutapu island from airlines such as american airlines, delta, united, jetblue, frontier, and more. Top 10 whangaparaoa hotels near motutapu island new zealand. Motutapu island otherwise known as motutapu is a 1,510 ha 3,700 acres island in the hauraki gulf to the northeast of the city of auckland, new zealand. Motutapu island accommodation top motutapu island hotels. Motutapu ferry port located off the north west coast of new zealand, motutapu island lays to the northeast of auckland. Motutapu island auckland central 2020 what to know. Access to motutapu is by public passenger ferry, charter boat, charter boat, private boat, or kayak. The island measures 179 ha 440 acres, of which around 18 ha 44 acres are remnants of coastal forest. The 10 closest hotels to motutapu island tripadvisor.
Visit two of new zealands top attractions on a combo trip from auckland. Once the site was decommissioned by the military it was handed over to be utilised by the youth of new zealand and since 1966 the facilities have functioned as an outdoor education camp. The motutapu walkway takes you from islington bay on rangitoto island across the causeway to home bay and emu bay on motutapu island. Nature and history of motutapu island recreation reserve. Day one of macpac motatapu saw competition in the ultrarun 51km, the mountain bike 47km and the offroad tri 1km swim, 47km bike, 8. Some interesting walks for kids with wwii gun emplacements and tunnels to explore. Motutapu island walks, war relics and a campground plus amazing natural scenery await you in this conservation wonderland. The island was declared mammalian pestfree in 2011, although possums and wallabies were removed during the nineties.
Motutapu is a taonga treasure with many special places. The volcanic rangitoto island is one of the most iconic landmarks in aucklands. Jan 01, 2015 taking the explore group ferry from cbd auckland we spent the day tramping around motutapu islands. The motutapu restoration trust seeks your help with the vision of restoring this island. Pdf rangitoto island field trip, auckland researchgate. Auckland minute book 1, folio 26, maori land court records.
Compare prices on expedia to get the best flight deals and promotions for motutapu island flights before you book. Motutapu is adjoined via landbridge to aucklands most iconic island, rangitoto. Home bay campsite is a 1 hour 30 minutes walk from islington bay wharf, or aa 3 hour walk from rangitoto wharf via the walkway or farm road. Volunteer motutapu island is the largest ecological restoration conservation endeavour in new zealand. Best hotels near motutapu island, auckland central tripadvisor. Travellers who book a motutapu island package are eligible to purchase our holiday waiver, which gives travellers ultimate flexibility and covers all change or cancel penalties, one time, for any reason. Bach 78 islington bay rangitoto island auckland city. The newest gulf island, the now dormant volcano, rangitoto, nudges up against it. Motutapu island is a 1,509 ha 3,730 acres island in the hauraki gulf to the northeast of the city of auckland, new zealand. A small but well developed system of lava tunnels linked by lava trenches occurs on the south. Motutapu ferry port in motutapu island connects you with auckland in new zealand with a choice of up to 1 ferry crossings per week. Motutapu restoration trust hosts public volunteer days so you can lend a hand. Motutapu island hotels motutapu island hotels important. In geographical terms it contrasts starkly with neighbouring island, rangitoto which is characterised by forest and steep slopes.
Motutapu island is a heaven for wildlife and wildlife lovers. For more information about the campsite and to book visit the website here. The volcanic island of motutapu is an archaeologists haven found immediately to the northeast of auckland, new zealand. How do i prebook my ferry trip or tour online to avoid ticket queues. Dont miss out on great deals for things to do on your trip to auckland. Before you book, check with the transport provider for available services. Consider protecting your motutapu island trip with our holiday waiver. Aucklands motutapu island reopens in time for labour weekend. Arrives at motutapu island around 10 am after dropping off other passengers at rangitoto island first return ferry leaves motutapu island at 4. Motutapu island isolated paradise for walking harbour.
Motutapu island, auckland 2020 images, timings holidify. Book your tickets online for motutapu island, auckland central. Motutapu is directly behind rangitoto in aucklands hauraki gulf and joined to it by a causeway. Poles mark the track across farmland, climbing to the island s 120 m trig station and giving panoramic. Weeding whizzes, motutapu island, hauraki gulf by nanda maclaren, volunteer, motutapu restoration trust motutapu island is located in the hauraki gulf, only a short ferry ride from downtown auckland. Motutapu island, which is joined to rangitoto island by a causeway, is a mosaic of protected archaeological and historic sites. The department of conservation doc closed the island to the public in april due to.
Our volunteers weed the volunteerplanted home bay forest as well as some bush remnants on the island. Motuihe island lies between motutapu and waiheke islands in the hauraki gulf of new zealand, near auckland. It is also possible to camp on motutapu island at home bay an idyllic beachside campsite among replanted native bush. Reserve your spot today and pay when youre ready for thousands of tours on viator. The islands port is seen as the gateway to mainland new zealand, with a 30 minute crossing to auckland that leaves once every sunday. Venture across the causeway that links the two and explore motutapus world war ii bunkers, tunnels and gun emplacements. Ninetyfive percent of the island is covered in black basalt rock, which forms lava flows and fields, caves, pillars and tunnels, which are interesting to. The motutapu outdoor education camp is located at administration bay on the. Check any national, local, and health advisories for this destination before you book. The duration of the motutapu to auckland crossing is from 35 minutes and the crossing is operated by fullers ferry. Motutapu outdoor education camp welcome to motutapu outdoor.
Motutapu island auckland central 2020 all you need to. The island is a recreation reserve controlled by the department of conservation doc and administered by the motuihe trust. Motutapu island, auckland ticket price timings address. Visitors can explore the island via a network of tracks and roads.
Motutapu island is a 1509ha island in the hauraki gulf to the northeast of the city of auckland, new zealand. Check out the best tours and activities to experience motutapu island. Follow the timber box steps 100 m west of the toilet block. Motutapu island auckland central all you need to know. Motutapu looks out to the outer gulf and coromandel and looks in to aucklands waterfront and beaches, a 20 minute ferry trip away. Rangitotos dramatic landscapes contrast to the gently rolling pastures of neighbouring motutapu island. It was inhabited first by early maori and polynesian settlers, and then eventually european immigrants as well. As motutapu is a working farm, sheep and cattle can be seen in varying numbers on the island throughout the year. Oct 20, 2017 motutapu a pestfree adventure island in aucklands hauraki gulf will reopen in time for labour weekend. Program book of the fourth international maar conference, auckland, new. Motutapu island holidays 2020 holiday package deals.
Whats here important info photo gallery book contact. Motutapu island walking trails, camping and beaches. The island is part of the hauraki gulf maritime park. The rolling start allows for a slow release of athletes over the start line 2 riders at approximate 5 second intervals. Under the motutapu restoration plan, over 500,000 trees have been planted on the island, a forest that is almost canopy level. Geological sketch map of rangitoto volcano and adjacent motutapu island, showing. This destination may have covid19 travel restrictions in place, including specific restrictions for lodging. Rangitoto emerged from the sea about 650 years ago, making it the baby of all aucklands volcanic cones. Located on the east coast of motutapu island, in the hauraki gulf marine park. Jurassic motutapu is rich in history and its pestfree status means there is an abundance of native species thriving in the restored forest. Motutapu ferry, compare prices, times and book tickets. Rangitotos islington bay wharf is also near the islands western end. Hotels near motutapu island, auckland central on tripadvisor. Motutapu island is a natural island in the hauraki gulf, 11km from.
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