Motutapu is the Maori name for a sacred island. It’s now an incubator for breeding endangered native birds. The island is a Department of Conservation ‘Recreation Reserve’ of 1509 hectares. Volunteers have now planted over 100 hectares in 450,000 native trees, a forest that is almost canopy level. The island is now a safe home for a small breeding population of translocated kiwi and takahē – some of New Zealand’s rarest, flightless birds.
VOLUNTEER
The Motutapu Restoration Trust’s work provides opportunities for people of all ages to engage in and be actively involved in conservation and to better understand and appreciate heritage values through the restoration of Motutapu.
Motutapu is joined by a causeway to Rangitoto, Auckland’s iconic volcanic cone backdrop, Motutapu dates back to the Jurassic period, 175 million years ago and is one of the oldest islands in the Gulf. Its upstart neighbour (Rangitoto) erupted out of the sea only 600 years ago.
WALKING TRAILS
Motutapu is a popular walking destination in the Hauraki Gulf. The Rotary Centennial Loop Track is a 2 hour loop walk that takes visitors through the fabulous volunteer planted native forest. Over 500,000 trees have been planted over the 26 years of the Trust operations. The Loop includes a ridgeline section affording superb views of the Inner Hauraki Gulf. Since the pest eradication project of 2009, the birdsong of the translocated and returning native bird species can be enjoyed throughout this walk.
This walk can be extended to take in the WWII Military sites at Northern Junction. A full day walk can include a visit to Billy Goat Point, the northernmost part of the island and a picnic/swim at Sandy Bay. source Motutapu online
