Motukawanui Hut
Motukawanui Island Scenic Reserve • Northland
Alerts
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
- About
- Accessed by boat, Motukawanui Hut is a good base to experience Northland's Cavalli Islands. Stay overnight at this serviced platform-style bunk hut (sleeps 12).
- Facilities
- Mattresses
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Water supply
About this hut
Facilities
- Lighting by candle
- Cold tap water
- Composting toilet
- Platform bunks
Fees and bookings
Fees
1 May - 30 September
- Adult (18+ years): $25 per night
- Child/youth (5–17 years): $12.50 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
1 October - 30 April
Weekdays:
- Adult (18+ years): $28 per night
- Child/youth (5–17 years): $14 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Weekends:
- Adult (18+ years): $32 per night
- Child/youth (5–17 years): $16 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
1 December - 29 February
Weekdays:
- Adult (18+ years): $29 per night
- Child/youth (5–17 years): $14.50 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Weekends:
- Adult (18+ years): $34 per night
- Child/youth (5–17 years): $17 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Hut tickets cannot be used at this hut.
Backcountry Hut Passes can be used in this hut. Passes can be used unlimited for a 6 or 12 month period for most Serviced and Standard huts.
How to pay with your Backcountry Hut Pass.
About hut tickets and passes | Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2027.
- If no availability shows online for your dates, the hut is fully booked.
- No spaces are kept for visitors 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.
Your hut booking is for any bunk bed, not for a specific bunk bed – select your bunk bed on arrival.
Getting there
Access to the island is by boat only.
The hut is in Waiiti Bay on Motukawanui Island.
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: AV29
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1685593, N6125770
Know before you go
- Camping is not permitted due to the risk of fire, which poses a huge threat to the kiwi population and other wildlife on the island. Toilet waste from campers may pollute waterways or damage archaeological sites.
- Wai-iti Bay is sheltered with a sandy beach suitable for swimming and snorkelling as well as the safe beaching of dinghies and kayaks.
- No dogs.
- The hut is locked. You will receive instructions on getting the access code in your booking confirmation letter.
Weather
The weather can change rather quickly in the channel crossing over to the island, so it is advisable to consider this when preparing to cross, ensuring also that all safety procedures are met. Read the Maritime Safety leaflet.
Nearby
Weather
Forecast at the hut