Motuihe Island Cruise
Take a private cruise to an island with beautiful native plants, birds, and lizards! Once farmland, Motuihe has been transformed into a home for kiwis, tuatara, geckos and other rare and endangered species.
Best for
Campers, hikers, wildlife and landscape photographers, beach-goers, and nature-lovers.
Time
1 hour 15 minutes each way. Spend 4 hours on the island. Total trip is 6 hours 30 minutes.
Schedule
Pick up 10am from Z Pier, Westhaven Marina. Leave Motuihe Island at 3.15pm, return to Auckland at 4.30pm.
Cost
The price depends on numbers and requirements. Enquire to book! Private charters only.
Amenities
Licensed bar, flushing toilet, eftpos, sound system, indoor and outdoor seating.
Boat capacity
The Riverhead Ferry can comfortably fit 49 passengers.
Motuihe is a pest-free island paradise in the Hauraki Gulf home to native New Zealand flora and fauna, such as the little spotted kiwi, saddleback, kakariki, bellbirds, skinks, geckos and tuatara. Once farmland, it has been transformed into an authentic natural environment full of beaches, native forests, and wetlands by the Motuihe Trust and the Department of Conservation. It makes a popular destination or day visits and camping holidays.
The Destination
Where is it?
An island located in the Hauraki Gulf, 16kms off Auckland's mainland.
How long should I stay?
Makes a perfect day trip, or an overnight camping trip.
How do I get around?
You can walk the entire island. There are four walking tracks from the wharf, varying between 1-6.5kms long return.
What do I need?
Sun protection, food and drink, light rain jacket, good walking shoes, swimming gear, camping gear and a change of clothes (if you are spending the night). Make sure you also pack your own food for the day as there are no shops on the island.
What can I do?
Crystal clear swimming, white sandy beaches, picnics, bush walks, kayaking, fishing, and the rare opportunity to see a tuatara in the wild. Campsites are available to spend the night. Guided walks and tours available, run by Motuihe Trust.
The Cruise
What you'll see
You'll cruise past Auckland's coastlines, as well as other islands in the Hauraki Gulf - Motutapu, Rangitoto, and Browns Island.
Drop-off & pick-up
Your pick-up location is Z Pier, Westhaven Marina. Find out how to get to us here.
Onboard the ferry
Play your own music using our AUX sound system, while you watch the beautiful Hauraki Gulf sail past you. You'll have access to seating in the back and the front of the boat, with comfortable indoor couches available to relax too.
Food & Drink
Enjoy the range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from our licensed bar, as well as bar snacks available for purchase. Self-catering for food required. We recommend the Cater Station, or bring your own food to grill on our Weber BBQ. BYO food is free of charge. Eftpos available!
Refunds & Cancellations
Please note the date and time you've requested is still available to others until the deposit or the total amount is paid. Your booking is confirmed when we receive the deposit amount. All our cruises are designed with your safety and comfort in mind. In the event of bad weather, we may have to cancel the charter in the interests of your safety. If we need to cancel your trip due to bad weather we will re-schedule your cruise for a new date or offer a full refund. When booking, a refundable deposit is required for up to 28 days before departure. Full payment is due 28 days before the date or paid in full if booking within 28 days before your chosen date. Once full payment has been made, it will not be refunded if the charter is cancelled. If you need to cancel the charter due to unforeseen circumstances we can reschedule the charter to an alternative date.
Health & Safety
Your safety is important to us. To ensure that your journey is smooth sailing please make sure you; use handrails when moving around the vessel, remove luggage/bags from seats and aisles, ensure you listen to safety announcements on departure, familiarise yourself with the location of the life jackets on your particular vessel, climbing, jumping or running on board the vessel is not permitted at any time, do not stand on seats or sit on railings, intoxicated passengers that are not fit to travel are not allowed on any of our vessels, and drugs or illicit substances are not permitted on board any of our charters.Please note: doorways on our vessel are 45 centimeters wide (0.45 meters). Please wear soft, comfortable, and supportive shoes — no gumboots, penny heels, and work boots.
Biosecurity Information
We follow and support the biosecurity requirements set out by the Auckland Council and the Department of Conservation. Before travelling into the Hauraki Gulf with us, please ensure your gear is clean and pest-free. For more information on how to check your gear, click here.
Over time, The Hauraki Gulf has been compromised by pollution and fishing. There are many pest-free islands that are home to protected species, so to help keep the Hauraki Gulf clean and safe for all species, we ask you to follow our biosecurity instructions. Watch the video here.
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