Home Bay, Motutapu Island Campsite

Total campsite capacity: 262 people

Overlooking Home Bay, the campsite is near the Reid Homestead built in 1901. A stroll up through regenerating bush to the Northern Junction (via the Rotary Centennial Loop Track) and you can explore various WWII military remains including the battery which defended Auckland's harbour.

Campsite rules

• No fires at any time. Gas cookers may be used.
• No fireworks at any time.
• Pack in, pack out. There are no rubbish bins on this island. Take your rubbish with you.

Fees

• Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
• Child (5–17 years): $5 per night
• Infant (0 - 4 years): free

Passes

The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.

Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book.

Bookings

Bookings are open for stays from 1 July to 30 September 2026. Bookings for 1 October 2026 to 30 June 2027 will open in August 2026.

• If no availability shows online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked.
• No spaces are kept for campers arriving without a booking.
• Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
• Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

Before you book, check transport options for getting to Motutapu.

Book Home Bay, Motutapu Island campsite online.

Your booking will be for the number of people in your party – there are no designated sites. Find space for your party on arrival.

Located on the east coast of Motutapu Island, in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands are joined by a causeway. Home Bay Campsite is a 1 hour 30 minutes walk from Islington Bay Wharf, or a 3 hour walk from Rangitoto Wharf via the walkway or farm road.

Home Bay wharf

The topo map shows a "derelict jetty" at Home Bay. This jetty has been upgraded and is a fully functioning wharf.

The wharf is unsafe access at low tide. The low tide access ladder is a safety risk due to the lack of handles for users to pull themselves up or hold onto when reaching the top rung. Exercise caution and consider having a physically capable person at the top to assist users over the edge.

Unsafe road on Motutapu Island

The vehicle road approaching Home Bay Campsite from the south is closed. Extreme weather damage has exposed dangerous high voltage cables. Home Bay campers should use the coastal Motutapu Walkway to access the campsite.

Visitors to the area should not enter areas with road closed or high voltage signage.

Public passenger ferry and private charter

Ferry service is limited. The public passenger ferry operators that travel to this island only maintain a limited service.

If you are chartering a commercial vessel to the island, check the operator has a Pest-Free Warrant. Commercial vessels that use the wharf will also need a wharf landing permit.

Find authorised transport operators to this island.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1772146, N5929032
Latitude: -36.76715738, Longitude: 174.928988

• Water available. Water is treated and filtered but giardia may be present. For your health, boil drinking water for at least 3 minutes.
• Motutapu campsite does not provide wood barbeques, fireplaces, showers or picnic tables.
• No fires at any time. Gas cookers may be used.
• No fireworks at any time.
• There is no power supply or light at this campsite. No generators allowed. Bring a torch.
• Pack in, pack out. There are no rubbish bins on this island. Take your rubbish with you.
• There is no transport available on the island.

Explore historic relics and the stunning coastline via the island's walkways, and enjoy water activities.