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Motuora 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

Tent camping on Motuora's western shore, reached by arranged boat transport.

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

Facilities

  • Powered sitesNot available
  • ShowersAvailable
  • ToiletsAvailable
All facilities & policies

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

Powered sites
Not available. DOC lists non-powered camping.
Hot showers
Not confirmed. Hot water for showers has not been confirmed. A general shower listing does not establish hot-water availability.
Showers
Available. Cold showers listed; hot showers not established.
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 confirmed. Campfire permission has not been confirmed. Do not light a fire without checking with the operator and checking current fire restrictions.

Before you go

Untreated water

Boil supplied water for at least 3 minutes before use.

No pets

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

Fire safety

Campfire permission has not been confirmed. Do not light a fire without checking with the operator and checking current fire restrictions.

Check current fire restrictions (new tab)

Access & important conditions
  • Northern campsite area closed for landslide/rockfall risk. Only the area between the lamp post and open drain remains open; observe ropes and signs.
  • No regular ferry; arrange transport. Complete and bring DOC's island biosecurity checklist.
Fees & booking

Area & getting there

Motuora 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
-36.50441, 174.79059 (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

  • Tent camping on Motuora's western shore, reached by arranged boat transport.
  • Northern campsite area closed for landslide/rockfall risk. Only the area between the lamp post and open drain remains open; observe ropes and signs.
  • No regular ferry; arrange transport. Complete and bring DOC's island biosecurity checklist.
Camping styles
tent
Fees
Non-powered camping: NZ$10 per adult 18+ per night; transport is separate.
Water
Boil supplied water for at least 3 minutes before use.

Tent camping on Motuora's western shore, reached by arranged boat transport.

Arrange the crossing before the overnight

Motuora is a small-island camping trip rather than a stop on a scheduled ferry circuit. DOC identifies private boats, charters and water taxis as access options, with no regular ferry service. Confirm both outward and return arrangements before committing to the night. Pack food for the whole visit because the island has no shop, and keep the landing load practical for your group.

Stay inside the reduced camping footprint

The northern end is roped off because of heightened landslide and rockfall risk. The checked notice leaves the area between the lamp post and open drain available, with the toilet block open. Those landmarks and current signs matter more than finding the most photogenic corner. A reservation is for your party, not a guarantee that a particular patch of grass will be available.

Protect the island while packing lightly

Complete DOC's biosecurity checklist before departure and bring it with you. Keep supplies sealed and leave animals behind. Cold showers are listed, but drinking water still needs the specified boil, so account for fuel and containers when packing. Return with rubbish and avoid planted or nesting areas on walks. Leave enough flexibility that a delayed pickup does not become an immediate food or water problem.

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

Sources & official links

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