Motiti Island - Image 1
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Motiti Island

4.5
Β·16 reviewsΒ·, New Zealand

A tranquil island paradise off Tauranga, renowned for its excellent fishing, serene walks, and rich marine life for snorkeling.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Enjoy the best visibility for snorkeling

CrowdLow
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Motiti Island - Image 1

Motiti Island

Best Time

Daytime

Enjoy the best visibility for snorkeling

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil island paradise off Tauranga, renowned for its excellent fishing, serene walks, and rich marine life for snorkeling.

4.5
(16 reviews)

"Best place in the world. Good fishing and landscape, safe place lovely people"

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸ›₯️ Arrange Boat Access

You need permission to land. Book a local tour or arrange boat transport in advance.

🎣 Cast Your Line

Motiti Island is a top spot for fishing. Bring your gear for a rewarding catch!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.5 Β· 16 reviews

Type

Island

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underwater Exploration

Underwater Exploration

Coastal waters

Discover rich marine life including kina, paua, rock lobster, and diverse fish species. Keep an eye out for seals and stingrays!

Peaceful Island Retreat

Peaceful Island Retreat

Motiti Island

Experience unparalleled tranquility with lovely walks and a chance to truly unwind. It's a perfect escape for relaxation.

Premier Fishing Spot

Premier Fishing Spot

Surrounding waters

Renowned for its fishing opportunities, catch snapper and other local species. A dream for any angler!

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Planning Your Visit

Island Access & Permissions

Motiti Island is a special place, and landing requires permission. Plan ahead to arrange boat access or join a local tour. Respect the island's environment and residents.

Best for Nature & Fishing

This island is ideal for those seeking peace, quiet, and excellent fishing. While snorkeling is good, it's not as renowned as nearby Mayor Island. Enjoy the natural beauty and local charm.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Enjoy the best visibility for snorkeling
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Experience maximum peace and quiet
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

πŸ“Omanawa Falls has just reopened and is only 2.5 hours from Auckland and 25 minutes from Tauranga πŸ₯ Add this hike to your bucket list immediately ⛰️ β€’ β€’ β€’ β€’ #travel #nz #nztravel #adventure #fyp #Hiking #tauranga #tauranganz #roadtrip #omanawafalls #hikingadventures #waterfall #waterfallnz #hikingtrails #fyp #purenz #nzmustdo #purenewzealand #nzsummer #newzealand #summerhiking #aotearoa
@notes2home
22.3K likes β€’ 381.6K views

πŸ›₯️ Arrange Boat Access

You need permission to land. Book a local tour or arrange boat transport in advance. Reddit

🎣 Cast Your Line

Motiti Island is a top spot for fishing. Bring your gear for a rewarding catch! Instagram+2

The most magical bucketlist stay in New Zealand! βœ¨πŸŒ³πŸ„πŸŒΏπŸ§šπŸΌ #nzescapes #canopycampingescapes #bayofplentynz #tauranga #naturestay #uniquestays #earthhouse #nzmustdo #nzbucketlist #northislandnz
@gorgeousescapes_nz
18.9K likes β€’ 352.7K views
HOME ❀️ Motiti Island #haupapakohatu
mrghoete.art
553 likes β€’ 16.8K views

🀿 Explore Underwater

Snorkeling is great here, with plenty of marine life to see. Reddit

πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ Enjoy the Walks

Take time for leisurely strolls and soak in the island's serene atmosphere. Reddit

Visibility was a bit average for spearfishing on the last drop but managed to snag a few Crayfish at Motiti Island. . . . . . . . . #cray #crayfish #fishing #spearfishing #freediving #diving #island #boat #motiti #ocean #moray
spear_nz
286 likes β€’ 5.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸ›₯️ Arrange Boat Access

You need permission to land. Book a local tour or arrange boat transport in advance. Reddit

🎣 Cast Your Line

Motiti Island is a top spot for fishing. Bring your gear for a rewarding catch! Instagram+2

🀿 Explore Underwater

Snorkeling is great here, with plenty of marine life to see. Reddit

πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ Enjoy the Walks

Take time for leisurely strolls and soak in the island's serene atmosphere. Reddit

🀫 Respect the Peace

This is a place for quiet enjoyment. Be mindful of the environment and residents. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(16 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Motiti Island is celebrated for its exceptional fishing and tranquil atmosphere, offering a peaceful escape with lovely walks. While snorkeling is enjoyable, some find it less spectacular than nearby Mayor Island. Visitors appreciate the abundant marine life and the chance to relax in a serene environment, though access requires pre-arranged permission.

"Quite a good destination for snorkeling, but not as spectacular as Mayor Island. Here you can find kina, paua, rock lobster, lots of fish, and the occasional stingray or seal. You can get here by boat or on one of the local dolphin tours. Be aware that you need permission to land on the island."

Nix V

"Great Just to chill out and enjoy the peace and quiet... lovely walks...great fishing 🎣"

Jules Parkinson

"The views are to oceany.
And there are too many trees."

Laura

What People Like

Great fishing opportunities
Peaceful and quiet
Lovely walks

What People Dislike

Requires permission to land
Snorkeling less spectacular than Mayor Island

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

Access to Motiti Island is primarily by boat. You can arrange private boat charters or join local dolphin watching tours that may offer island stops. It's crucial to secure permission before landing. Instagram+1

Yes, day trips are possible, especially for fishing or a short visit. Ensure your boat arrangements allow for this. Instagram+1

No, there is no public transport. Access is limited to private boats or organized tours. Instagram

Motiti Island is located off the coast of Tauranga. Boat travel time can vary depending on sea conditions and the specific departure point, typically ranging from 30 minutes to over an hour. Instagram

Some local dolphin watching and fishing tours may include Motiti Island as a destination or pass by it. It's best to check with tour operators in Tauranga. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You don't need a traditional ticket, but you absolutely need permission to land on the island. Contact local authorities or tour operators for arrangements. Reddit

There isn't a set entry fee, but you may incur costs for boat hire or tour participation. Permission to land is the key requirement. Reddit

Motiti Island does not have set opening hours as it's a residential island. Access is dependent on weather and your pre-arranged permissions or tours. Instagram

No, you must have permission to land on Motiti Island. Unauthorized landing is not permitted. Reddit

Permission is typically granted through local tour operators or by contacting the island's residents or governing body. Planning ahead is essential. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Motiti Island is great for snorkeling, fishing, enjoying peaceful walks, and simply relaxing. It's a nature-focused destination. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, snorkeling is a popular activity with good visibility and diverse marine life, though some find Mayor Island more spectacular. Reddit

You can spot kina, paua, rock lobster, various fish, and occasionally seals or stingrays. Reddit

Yes, the island offers lovely walks, perfect for enjoying the natural landscape and tranquility. Reddit

Generally, Motiti Island is not crowded, offering a peaceful and quiet experience, especially on weekdays. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Motiti Island is a residential island and does not have public dining facilities like restaurants or cafes. Visitors should bring their own food and drinks. Instagram

It's essential to pack all your food, snacks, and water for the day, as there are no services available on the island. Instagram

Picnicking is a great way to enjoy the island's scenery. Just be sure to take all your rubbish with you. Reddit

There are no public accommodations with food services. Any stays would be private arrangements. Instagram

You'll find a wide range of dining options back in Tauranga, from casual cafes to restaurants. Instagram

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

Capture stunning coastal views, marine life while snorkeling, and the serene island landscapes. The 'oceany' views are a highlight for some. InstagramReddit

Yes, the island offers beautiful natural landscapes and ocean vistas, perfect for photographers. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The marine life and occasional seals or stingrays offer great subjects for underwater photography. InstagramReddit

Daytime offers the best light for both landscapes and underwater shots. Early morning or late afternoon can provide softer light. Instagram

While generally permitted, always be respectful of residents and private property when taking photos. Instagram

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