When was the last time you visited Motuihe Island in the Gulf?

Even though Fullers’ ferries don’t have a regular service, it’s easy to get there even if you don’t have your own boat. Just jump on an Auckland Water Taxi from the viaduct harbour or hop onboard Auckland’s Sea Shuttle from Okahu Bay but remember to book.

After a quick splat from the Okahu Marina we moored adjacent to the beach and the kids where quick to dive off the boat, heading to the ice cream kiosk clutching a $20 note.

It’s basically an uninhabited island so I thought it was a bit weird to have an ice cream kiosk but it’s a great kiwi touch, enjoyed by many over the summer as well as the camping facilities.The island has some of the best sandy beaches in the inner Hauraki Gulf and where we moored was no exception. The cliffs came down to a generous golden beach – hard to beat.

Walking tracks around the island make for a great day hike but we were too engrossed in our picnic.  However, if you want to walk on the island leave your pooch at home. Motuihe Island is home to the kiwi as well as a number of ground dwelling birds and endangered species that are well protected by the Motuihe Trust and DOC. They work in partnership on a community programme to restore and protect the indigenous flora and fauna and the historic sites on the island.

So, if you have some free time and want a spectacular day on the island helping planting native trees, grown in the Motuihe nursery and controlling pests and weeds take a look at the Motuihe Project. Fullers ferries take volunteers to the island on specified days.