A pest-free island about 10 nautical miles from Westhaven, with sandy beaches on both sides of a grassy isthmus, easy walks and a lot of history. Here's how to plan your visit.
Updated October 2026 · By the YachtShare team, Westhaven Marina
Motuihe, or Te Motu-a-Ihenga, is a 179-hectare island between Motutapu and Waiheke in the inner Hauraki Gulf. It's a recreation reserve run by the Department of Conservation (DOC) with the Motuihe Trust, whose volunteers have replanted much of the island since 2003. It is pest free, and home to little spotted kiwi, tīeke (saddleback), kākāriki and tuatara.
From Westhaven, head east down the harbour past the city wharves, North Head and Bean Rock. Then go through the Motukorea Channel, between Browns Island and the south side of Rangitoto and Motutapu, and cross to Motuihe. It is about 10 nautical miles to Wharf Bay, so roughly 1¼ hours at 8 knots.
For Ocean Beach, carry on round the northern tip of the island through the Motuihe Channel, between Motuihe and Motutapu. That adds about a mile, so allow around 1½ hours. Watch for the Waiheke ferries, which use these channels all day.
DOC lists Wharf Bay, Ocean Beach and Calypso Bay as the island's safe anchorages. Because the two main bays sit back to back on either side of the isthmus, there is usually a sheltered one whichever way the wind is blowing.
On the north-east side of the isthmus, Ocean Beach is the long sandy beach most visitors come for. It faces north-east, so it is the usual choice in south-westerly and westerly winds, including the prevailing summer south-westerly. It's open to winds from the north and east. The Motuihe Trust kiosk and the isthmus toilets are just behind the beach.
On the opposite side of the isthmus, facing south-west. It's the better bay in northerlies and easterlies, but open to the prevailing south-westerly. Wharf Bay is shallow, which is why the wharf is so long, so check the tide and the chart before anchoring close in. Wash from passing ferries can make it rolly during the day.
Smaller bays on the island's eastern side, linked to Ocean Beach by the Eastern Beaches walk. Calypso Bay is one of DOC's listed anchorages and is usually quieter than Ocean Beach.
The wharf is for dropping off and picking up passengers only, so you can't tie up alongside. Land by dinghy on the beach at Ocean Beach, Wharf Bay or Calypso Bay. On 'Zen', which draws 2.2 metres, anchor further out than the smaller yachts and allow for the tide. Keep to 5 knots within 200 metres of the shore.
There are toilets near the wharf and at the isthmus, but no shops, rubbish bins, barbecues or picnic tables. Bring your own food and drinking water, and take your rubbish home. The Motuihe Trust kiosk near Ocean Beach opens on busy weekends and some summer hours, selling drinks, ice creams and coffee, plus track maps.
DOC's tracks start from the wharf:
The wharf and boat ramp are often slippery, so wear good shoes. Fires and portable barbecues aren't allowed anywhere on the island.
Most people sleep aboard, but there is also a DOC campsite on the north-western headland. It must be booked, has toilets and water (boil it before drinking), and allows gas cookers but no fires. Overnight visitors need to bring a completed biosecurity checklist for the ranger. YachtShare yachts must never be left unattended overnight, so if anyone camps ashore, someone stays aboard.
The island is named for Ihenga, a Te Arawa ancestor, and has pā sites, karaka groves and storage pits. William Fairburn bought it in 1839, and the Norfolk pines and olive groves date from the farming years that followed.
From 1873 Motuihe was a quarantine station for almost 50 years. During the First World War it held German prisoners, including Count Felix von Luckner, the "Sea Devil". In December 1917 he used preparations for a Christmas play as cover, seized the island's launch and escaped, before being recaptured in the Kermadec Islands. In the Second World War the quarantine station became the naval training base HMNZS Tamaki, which moved to the North Shore in 1963.
YachtShare bookings run from one to 14 days, so a weekend here fits easily. Motuihe is close enough for a freebie day too: if a yacht is unbooked, members can ask management to use it free after midday.
All of them. Motuihe is well within the fleet's survey limits under our Maritime NZ MOSS certification. 'Thin Air' (Beneteau Oceanis 323), 'Island Breeze' (Bavaria 32) and 'Mirabelle' (Beneteau Oceanis 34) suit couples. 'Oro Rosa' (J/112e) is quick. For groups, try 'Schonica' (Beneteau Oceanis 41), 'Incognito' (Dufour 412), 'Zen' (Dufour 520) or 'The Bach', our Fountaine Pajot Orana 44 catamaran. See the whole fleet.
Every yacht is fully insured, hull cleaning is part of scheduled maintenance, and members have a 24-hour support line. See our Westhaven Marina guide and more sailing guides, including Waiheke Island and Rākino Island.
Planning note: distances and sailing times are approximate and based on an average of 8 knots. Always check current charts (LINZ NZ 5324 covers Motuihe), the marine forecast, tide times and local notices before you set out. Hero photo: Motuihe's northern beach by Ingolfson, Wikimedia Commons (public domain).
YachtShare members sail from Westhaven on a fully maintained yacht, without the cost of owning one. Plans start from $880/month + GST, with fuel extra.
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