About Motuihe Island

The tiny island of Motuihe lies to the east of Auckland, New Zealand in the Hauraki Gulf. As a pest-free recreation reserve with clear waters, sandy beaches and exciting bush hiking trails, Motuihe Island makes a fantastic day trip from mainland New Zealand, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling cities. The island has an interesting history as well; it began as a Maori settlement but was eventually used a quarantine during the scarlet fever outbreak in the 19th Century and later developed into a naval training base during World War II. Since then, it has been transformed into a haven for various rare bird species including kiwis and tuatara, making it an excellent birdwatching spot, too. Ferries from Motuihe Island depart from the north, where you can sail back to Auckland in around 30 minutes with one of the city’s leading ferry companies.

About New Zealand

New Zealand is an island nation in the south-west Pacific Ocean consisting of the North and South Islands, approximately 1,500 kilometres east of Australia. When it comes to awe-inspiring natural backdrops, New Zealand’s landscape tops the list. Glacial fjords, jagged mountains, rolling green plains, cascading rivers, active volcanoes and idyllic beaches fill this 268,021-sq-km nation. Also, with a population of just 4.6 million, it offers the ideal scenery for long, peaceful hikes. When it comes to urban areas, New Zealand doesn’t fail to deliver, either. The capital, Wellington is the cultural hub, characterised by Victorian architecture and a vibrant downtown, whilst the affluent Auckland, with its iconic Sky Tower, boasts superb restaurants and a superyacht-filled harbour. As a country comprising 2 main islands and numerous offshore islets, travelling by ferry is a popular way to get around New Zealand. There are plenty of fast crossings to the Hauraki Islands by Auckland, between the North and South Islands and to Stewart Island in the south.