Motuihe Island

Motuihe is a paradise not too far from Auckland. It lays between Motutapu and Waiheke with boat access, if you are lucky to own one– otherwise there are a few ferry trips during the summer months.
It is an island with a lot of history including three Maori pa, European farms, old naval base, a human quarantine station, WWII prisoner of war camp, and a children’s health camp– a great little timeline at the top of the hill that will satisfy interested historians.
It is a recreation reserve with DOC campsites available– saw a few tents. Would be a beautiful spot. A very neat round dartboard nailed to the trunk of a tree nearby. They have toilet facilities, thankfully– which is very handy at any time and good if you don’t want the full tenting experience. It is also a conservation project; home to many native flora, as well as rare, endangered birds and creatures such as dotterel, saddleback, kakariki, kiwi, shore skinks, bellbirds and tuatara.
We noticed a boardwalk out on one side of the island that is consistently lined with seagulls. Had a bit of fun– ran to make them fly off but they came back straight away. It’s a bit dirty due to their permanent posting but allows for more views of the Hauraki Gulf.
There is a thin stretch of land between Takutairaroa Bay and Waihaorangatahi Bay– so two beaches just a few minutes walk away from each other– equally gorgeous, and both anchorage spots. So many boats parked with its people enjoying the swimming and sunbathing on the shore. Noticed a few fishing rods, jet skis and other cool watersport things. Amazing clear water with beautiful shades of blue as you go out and bits of shell and golden sand. There is also a grassy bank further inland with some shade of trees. Coastal forest around and a gravel up hill walk to more ocean views of the Hauraki Gulf, pastures and other relics.
A beautiful day trip spot or campsite if you want an extended stay. A must-​see island destination!

One of Dad’s favourite spots for a day trip on the boat, this island sanctuary has beautiful sandy beaches and is a mere 30mins (approx) by boat from Westhaven marina. Relatively sheltered, the bays are perfect for kayaking, swimming or if you super trendy, paddleboarding.
Ferries do run here throughout summer but they are sporadic so you’ll need to check the Fullers website for the timetable before deciding when to go!

Motuihe Island is so magical. And yet, so close to Auckland city it’s ridiculous. In a short 30 minute boat ride you can be in paradise. We like to go for day trips, but there is a DOC camping ground on the Island so you can actually stay on there. All you need to do it just catch the ferry from Half Moon Bay, easy.
There’s also a cute little kiosk that sell ice blocks and essentials, so you’re not completely in the wilderness.
The best part about it is that if the wind is blowing in on one side of the island you can just walk fifty metres and be sheltered on the other side of the island.
There are loads of trails around for walking and of course the views are simply priceless.