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Description
Motuora Island Recreation Reserve is a major conservation success story in the Hauraki Gulf. Following extensive pest eradication and reforestation efforts by the Motuora Restoration Society and DoC, the island has become a sanctuary for native birds, reptiles, and invertebrates.
The island supports several monitored seabird colonies, including Fluttering Shearwater, Ōi (Grey-faced Petrel), and a real reintroduced success: Pycroft's Petrel. The forest is abundant with Whitehead, along with Tui, Grey Warbler, New Zealand Fantail, and European introductions. Just explore any parts of the network of tracks and you will encounter them.
North Island Brown Kiwi has been so successful on Motuora that birds are regularly translocated from the island to establish populations elsewhere. If staying overnight at the campsite, there's a good chance of seeing kiwi, as well as hearing Morepork.
Shorebirds include breeding New Zealand Dotterel and Variable Oystercatcher, found in Home Bay and the beautiful Still Bay on the opposite side of the island. At low tide, you can walk quite far around the island along the coast.
Details
Access
Motuora Island is accessible by boat only, with the journey taking approximately one hour from the Sandspit. You can arrange your own boat transport or join the monthly volunteer work trips organized by the Motuora Restoration Society, which provide you the additional opportunity to contribute to ongoing conservation efforts.
The island has a campsite, managed by DoC, to enjoy a longer stay or if you want a better chance of seeing North Island Brown Kiwi. A network of tracks spans the island, with a central Ridge Track spanning the length of the island with viewpoints at both ends, while at low tide you can explore much of the coastline on foot.