Motuihe Island Overnight Camping Adventure

Motuihe Island Overnight Camping Adventure
(Saturday 25^th – Sunday 26^th November 2023)

Motuihe has crystal clear swimming, white sandy beaches, and a variety of native bush walks with the unique opportunity to see tuatara in the wild – this pest-free island has something for everyone. 

Our Yakity Yak kayaking trip will begin by gathering at Narrow Neck beach at 9am for a 10/10.30am launch time on Saturday the 25^th of November.  We will paddle to McKenize Bay on Rangitoto Island for our first stop (about a 5km paddle). After morning tea we will cruise along the southern side of Rangitoto to Islington Bay between Rangitoto and Motutapu for lunch (approx. 11km from McKenzie). From Islington Bay we will paddle a further 11km to the campsite on Motuihe Island arriving in the afternoon to set up our tents.

We will have time to explore the island in the afternoon or evening with it’s history and wildlife. In the evening we will head out on a night walk in the hope of seeing either little spotted kiwi or tuatara.

The Sunday will be a return paddle retracing our paddle strokes from Motuihe back to Narrow Neck beach, with similar timing and stops planned.

If you are a confident beginner kayaker or above this is a suitable trip for you. We will cover 22 kilometres each day, (with breaks), and cross shipping channels where there maybe wake from other vessels. Some fitness will be needed for the distance covered.

You will need all of your gear for camping and staying overnight for the trip as well as kayaking equipment. All food and cooking items will need to be taken and transported with you.

• Motuihe campsite does not provide wood barbeques, fireplaces, showers, picnic tables or cooking shelters. 
• No fires. No fireworks. Gas cookers may be used.
• There is no power supply or light at this campsite. No generators. Bring a torch.
• Water available – this campsite has a spring-fed rural water supply. Giardia may be present. For your health, boil drinking water for at least 3 minutes.
• Pack in, pack out. There are no rubbish bins on this island. Take your rubbish with you.
• The historic water tower is a major hazard, and the site is fenced off. Do not enter the inside of the perimeter fence or the tower.

You will need to book your DOC campsite via their website:

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/auckland/places/motuihe-island-recreation-reserve/things-to-do/motuihe-island-campsite/

Please register here.

Dolphins & sunrise on the Sunday morning on the 2019 Yakity Yak Trip to Motuihe: