By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
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: -36.78763, 174.91420. 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
- Various: 1 - 1 hr 30 min
- Track grade
- Expert
- Location
- Motutapu 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
The Motutapu Walkway takes you from Islington Bay on Rangitoto Island across the causeway to Home Bay and Emu Bay on Motutapu Island.
This DOC directory entry covers Motutapu Walkway in Auckland, within Motutapu 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: Various: 1 - 1 hr 30 min
- DOC grade: Expert
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
Home Bay to Islington Bay Wharf
Time: 1 hr 45 min one wayDistance: 4.5 km
The Motutapu Walkway starts at the southern end of Home Bay. Poles mark the track across farmland, climbing to the island’s 120 m trig station and giving panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf. The track passes an area of native bush planted by volunteers in 2002 and 2003.
Home Bay to Emu Point
Time: 1 hr 45 min one wayDistance: 4.8 km
A loop track to Emu Point passes the site of the original homestead in Emu Bay.
Emu Point to Islington Bay
Time: 1 hr 5 min Distance: 3 km
The main track continues towards Rangitoto above the distinctive sandstone cliffs facing Islington Bay and Rangitoto. The track finishes near the causeway which links Motutapu and Rangitoto Islands.
Know before you go
Bring water with you - drinking water is not readily available on the island.
A torch is essential if you want to explore the tunnels and military sites.
Bring a sunhat and sunscreen.
Track times are indicative only.
Ensure you have plenty of time to complete your walk and catch the ferry.
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.
