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Motuihe Island Campsite

Auckland, North IslandDOC campsite

AI-generated cartoon of a green and coral tent with trees and distant hills; not a photograph of this campsite.

AI illustration. Generic AI-generated camping artwork, not a photograph of this campsite. It does not represent the site's actual landscape, pitches or facilities.

Artwork: Outdoor Next / AI-generated artwork / AI-generated illustration / Details

Campsite essentials

Your stay at a glance

Three tent-camping zones on Motuihe's northwestern headland above the wharf.

Campground type
DOC campsite
Setting
Coast
Operator / brand
Department of Conservation
Stay options
Tent
Booking
Advance booking required

Facilities

  • Powered sitesNot available
  • Hot showersNot available
  • ShowersNot available
  • ToiletsAvailable
All facilities & policies

Confirm with the operator: shared kitchen, laundry. Missing information does not mean a facility is unavailable.

Powered sites
Not available. DOC lists non-powered camping.
Hot showers
Not available. DOC explicitly says no showers.
Showers
Not available. DOC explicitly says no showers.
Toilets
Available. DOC lists non-flush toilets.
Shared kitchen
Not confirmed. An equipped kitchen is not verified; bring cooking gear.
Laundry
Not confirmed. Laundry not verified.
Pets
No pets. No dogs; other pets require checking DOC's separate rules. Confirm assistance-dog arrangements with DOC.
Campfires
Not allowed. The checked campsite rules prohibit fires. A stove or barbecue listing does not grant permission for a campfire.

Before you go

Untreated water

Spring-fed supply: DOC requires boiling drinking water for at least 3 minutes.

No pets

No dogs; other pets require checking DOC's separate rules. Confirm assistance-dog arrangements with DOC.

Campfires: Not allowed

The checked campsite rules prohibit fires. A stove or barbecue listing does not grant permission for a campfire.

Policy checked 26 September 2026.

Check current fire restrictions (new tab)

Access & important conditions
  • No gear transport on the island; some zones involve steps or a longer uphill carry.
  • Stay outside the fenced historic water tower. No fires, generators or fireworks.
Fees & booking

Area & getting there

Motuihe Island Campsite

DOC campsite reference point, not a verified entrance or individual pitch.

Official location information: Department of Conservation (new tab)
Location source & precision
Reference coordinates
-36.80361, 174.93584 (latitude, longitude)
Precision
WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
Location source checked
Explore Auckland
Read the full guideArrival, planning and local advice

By Outdoor Next / Editorial standards / Last checked

  • Three tent-camping zones on Motuihe's northwestern headland above the wharf.
  • No gear transport on the island; some zones involve steps or a longer uphill carry.
  • Stay outside the fenced historic water tower. No fires, generators or fireworks.
Camping styles
tent
Fees
Non-powered camping: NZ$10 per adult 18+ per night; transport is separate.
Water
Spring-fed supply: DOC requires boiling drinking water for at least 3 minutes.

Three tent-camping zones on Motuihe's northwestern headland above the wharf.

Choose the zone around the carry

Motuihe's camping areas are above the wharf rather than beside a vehicle drop-off. Confidence Course is relatively close to the toilets, Parade Ground involves timber steps, and Puriri Ridge is farther uphill. Compare those approaches with the size of your tent and the weight each person can carry. There is no island service to move camping equipment for you.

Keep the camp deliberately portable

A compact stove-and-tent setup is a better fit than equipment that assumes picnic tables, a cooking shelter or an electrical connection. DOC explicitly lists none of those comforts, and there are no showers. Treat the spring-fed water according to the boiling instruction. Book for the correct number of people, then choose space within your camping area without assuming a named or numbered pitch.

Fit walks around the return boat

Confirm the actual sailing or charter arrangements for your dates; seasonal ferry mentions are not a year-round timetable. Leave time to repack and carry everything back down before collection. The fenced water tower is a hazard area, not an attraction to explore. Keep rubbish with you and check bags for pests before departure so this remains a low-impact visit to an island restoration setting.

Check the official campsite information for current restrictions, facilities and booking arrangements.

Sources & official links

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