c

Motuora Island

Auckland  >  New Zealand

Beautiful island in the Hauraki Gulf with major restoration success, leading to abundant Whitehead, breeding seabirds, wētā, and geckos.

Ajouté* par Jonathan Klawitter
Dernière actualisation 10 décembre 2025

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.

Détails

Accès

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.

Terrain et Habitat

Forêt , Mer/océan , Plage

Conditions

Vallonné , Sablonneux

Boucle

Oui

Avez-vous besoin d'une longue-vue?

Non

Saison idéale pour observer

Toute l'année

Meilleure période pour une visite

Printemps , Eté

Itinéraire

Sentier large , Sentier étroit

Niveau de difficulté de l'itinéraire

Facile

Accessible via

A pied , Bateau

Observatoire/hutte d'observation

Non

Liens

Voir les sites d'observation voisins publiés sur Birdingplaces

Carte

Top 5 oiseaux

Autres oiseaux que vous pouvez observer ici

Afficher plus d'oiseaux Afficher moins d'oiseaux
Afficher plus de photos Afficher moins de photos

Commentaires

Publier un commentaire, un conseil ou une observation d'oiseau
Évaluer ce spot
Ajouter à mes favoris
Retirer de mes favoris