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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -35.23167, 174.16594. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 15 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Motuarohia Island Recreation Reserve
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Climb to the centre of the island for spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding Bay of Islands.
This DOC directory entry covers Motuarohia (Roberton) Island Track in Northland, within Motuarohia Island Recreation Reserve. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 15 min
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The well-marked track climbs up the pa in the centre of the island. At the top of the pa, take some time to sit and enjoy the spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding Bay of Islands.
Getting there
The track starts just above high tide towards the western end of Twin Lagoon Bay, the main beach on Motuarohia/Roberton Island.
Motuarohia/Roberton Island is the first island that the commercial boat cruises visit after leaving Paihia or Russell. You can also catch a water taxi, paddle a kayak, ride a jet-ski or take your own boat out to Motuarohia.
Know before you go
For your own safety avoid leaving the tracks as there are cliffs and steep bluffs on the island.
No dogs due to risks to wildlife.
Fires by permit only.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.
