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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: -36.50723, 174.79130. 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
- 1 - 2 hr return
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Motuora Island
- 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
Motuora is a small island with walks of up to two hours. Walk to the northern end of the island or to Still Bay, a perfect place for a picnic.
This DOC directory entry covers Motuora Island walks in Auckland, within Motuora Island. 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: 1 - 2 hr return
- 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
Motuora Recreation Reserve is a small island with walks of up to two hours. Walk to the northern end of the island or to Still Bay, a perfect place for a picnic.
Northern Loop Track
Time: 2 hr return
Starting in Home Bay, this track leads you to the northern end of the island through open paddocks gradually being replanted with native species. Stop on the way for great views over the Hauraki Gulf. The track curves around and returns along the clifftop rejoining the track on top of the slope in above Home Bay.
Still Bay Track
Time: 1 hr return
Head up the hill from Home Bay, past some concrete water tanks and down to the idyllic Still Bay. This bay is protected from most northerly and westerly weather and is a lovely place for a picnic lunch.
Macrocarpa Bay Track
Time: 1.5 hr return
Follow the Still Bay Track to the water tanks then continue southwards. Pass the turn off to the lookout before descending through bush to Macrocarpa Bay. From there the track follows the beach back to Home Bay. The beach section may not be passable in spring high tides.
Getting there
You can get to the island by:
private boat
water taxi, or
kayak.
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 a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
