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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: -35.00147, 173.94365. 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
- 3.5 km one way
- Walking time
- 1 hr 50 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Motukawanui Island Scenic 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
Enjoy outstanding views of Mahinepua Peninsula, Matauri Bay and other forested islands of the Cavalli group from this walk along the ridge tops.
This DOC directory entry covers **Motukawanui Island Track ** in Northland, within Motukawanui Island Scenic 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: 3.5 km one way
- Walking time: 1 hr 50 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
From Wai-Iti Bay in the southwest of the island, the Motukawanui Island track rises to the main ridge, and then takes you along to the trig on the highpoint.
The track follows the ridge tops and provides outstanding views of Mahinepua Peninsula, Matauri Bay and other forested islands of the Cavalli group.
Getting there
The Cavalli Islands are located off Northland’s east Coast about 3 km northeast of Matauri Bay. Motukawanui can be accessed by boat. In good weather, you can also reach the island by kayak.
The Motukawanui Island track can be accessed from Wai-iti or Papatara bays on the southern coast or from the northern-most end of the Motukawanui Island.
Know before you go
No dogs or fires due to risks to wildlife.
Camping is not permitted due to the risk of fire and threat to the kiwi population and other wildlife on the island.
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.
