09 October 2026
Fine, apart from some cloud about and south of Manukau until early evening. Northeasterlies.
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1 / 11Motutapu Island
Motutapu Walkway
The Motutapu Walkway takes you from Islington Bay on Rangitoto Island across the causeway to Home Bay and Emu Bay on Motutapu Island.
Distance
8.29 km
Walking time
Various: 1 - 1 hr 30 min
Difficulty
Expert
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Closures: toilet block and southern end of Motutapu Home Bay Campsite
Weather outlook
Auckland forecast
Issued 9 Oct 2026, 4:49 pm
10 October 2026
Partly cloudy with the chance of a light shower, mainly in the morning and early afternoon. Northeasterlies developing in the morning.
11 October 2026
A few showers. Northeasterlies, turning northwesterly before dawn.
12 October 2026
Occasional rain, clearing in the evening. Northwesterlies, dying out in the morning.
13 October 2026
A few showers, clearing in the evening. Light winds.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Motutapu Walkway on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Motutapu Walkway
Set on beautiful Motutapu Island, the Motutapu Walkway offers a scenic journey from Home Bay on the island’s east coast to Islington Bay, on the west coast. The walk includes areas of regenerating native bush and provides panoramic views across the Hauraki Gulf from the 120-metre-high trig point. Sections of the route are poled across private farmland. For those who want to explore further, there are a variety of other tracks linking with this walkway Home Bay to Islington Bay Wharf Time: 1 hr 45 min one way Distance: 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 way Distance: 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.
Essential information for Motutapu Walkway
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.
Getting there for Motutapu Walkway
The Motutapu Walkway starts at the southern end of Home Bay. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Motutapu Walkway
No dogs.
Before you walk Motutapu Walkway
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.