Motutapu Island Cruise
As the world's oldest landmark in the Hauraki Gulf, Motutapu has 178 million years of history. Take a private cruise to this pest-free conservation island and see an abundance of rare and beautiful native species.
Best for
Campers, hikers, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, wildlife and landscape photography and fishing.
Time
1 hour 15 minutes to Islington Bay, or 1 hour 30 minutes to Home Bay. Spend 4 hours on the island. The total trip is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Schedule
Pick up 10am from Z Pier. Leave Motutapu at 3.30pm, arriving back to Auckland approximately 4.15-4.30pm.
Cost
The price depends on numbers and requirements. Enquire to book! Private charters only.
Amenities
Licensed bar, flushing toilet, eftpos, AUX sound system, indoor and outdoor seating.
Boat capacity
The Riverhead Ferry can comfortably fit 49 passengers.
Experience Motutapu Island
We've teamed up with Motutapu Outdoor Education Camp to offer some package deals to Motutapu Island, staying in their lodge accommodation. Enjoy nature walks, historical building sites, rare and endangered species with takahē roaming freely onsite, breathtaking views, kayaks to use, and more.
Lodge Weekend Package
For $125 per person you'll get return transport to Motutapu by us, and stay in beachfront accommodation on the island. Arrives Friday and departs Saturday. Minimum of 25 people.
Enquire by emailing operations@motutapucamp.org.nz or calling 027 317 2207.
Lodge Weekday Package
For $200 per person you'll get 5 days and 4 nights beachfront accommodation on Motutapu, and return transport by us. Arrives Monday and departs Friday. Minimum 25 people.
Enquire by emailing operations@motutapucamp.org.nz or calling 027 317 2207.
Motutapu is full of rich Māori and European history. It has more than 300 Māori pa and archeological sites, has hosted Victorian picnic parties, was a base during WWII, and has evidence that settlers witnessed Rangitoto Island erupting 600 years ago. There are multiple walking tracks, beautiful beaches, and it underwent the world's largest pest eradication programme so there are many opportunities to see rare and beautiful birds.
The Destination
Where is it?
An island located in the Hauraki Gulf, 16.3kms off Auckland’s mainland.
What can I do?
Walk to Rangitoto Island, explore the walking trails, volunteer for conservation, camp at Home Bay, visit the Reid family homestead or the WWII military sites, or enjoy the beaches.
How do I get around?
The only way to get around the island is by foot. There are multiple walking tracks, even one to neighbouring Rangitoto Island.
What do I need?
Sun protection, food and drink, light rain jacket, warm layers, good walking shoes, swimming gear, somewhere to put your rubbish, camping gear, and change of clothes if staying the night. Make sure you also pack your own food for the day as there are no shops on the island.
How long should I stay?
As a larger island, you might need more than 4 hours to see it all, but a day trip is sufficient to experience its wonders.
The Cruise
What you'll see
You’ll cruise past Auckland’s coastlines, as well as other islands in the Hauraki Gulf - Rangitoto, Motuihe and Browns Island.
Drop-off & pick-up
Your pick-up location is Z Pier, Westhaven Marina. Find out how to get to us here.
Onboard the ferry
Play your own music using our AUX sound system, while you watch the beautiful Hauraki Gulf sail past you. You'll have access to seating in the back and front of the boat, with comfortable indoor couches available to relax too.
Food & Drink
Enjoy the range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from our licensed bar, as well as bar snacks available for purchase. Self-catering for food required. We recommend the Cater Station, or bring your own food to grill on our Weber BBQ. BYO food is free of charge. Eftpos available!
Refunds & Cancellations
A non-refundable deposit is required upon booking date for private charters. Full payment is required one week before departure and will not be refunded if you cancel your charter after full payment has been made. If you need to cancel the charter due to unforeseen circumstances we can reschedule the charter to an alternative date. All our cruises are designed with your safety and comfort in mind. In the event of bad weather, we may have to cancel the charter in the interests of your safety. If we need to cancel your trip due to bad weather we will re-schedule, or offer a full refund. In the event of another lockdown or for any questions around vaccination policies, please refer to our COVID-19 policy.
Safety Onboard
Your safety is important to us. To ensure that your journey is smooth sailing please make sure you; use handrails when moving around the vessel, remove luggage/bags from seats and aisles, ensure you listen to safety announcements on departure, familiarise yourself with the location of the life jackets on your particular vessel, climbing, jumping or running on board the vessel is not permitted at any time, do not stand on seats or sit on railings, intoxicated passengers that are not fit to travel are not allowed on any of our vessels, and drugs or illicit substances are not permitted on board any of our charters.
Biosecurity Information
The Riverhead Ferry holds a "Pest-Free Warrant" so we can visit the islands in the Hauraki Gulf, which means we have a biosecurity system.
Motutapu Island was declared pest-free in 2011. Following this and forest regeneration, native species previously not seen on the islands began to arrive on their own.
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