MOTUIHE GUIDED WALKING TOURS
Tours operate daily from 26 December - 7 January and every Saturday and Sunday during January and February.
1) 11.30am: 1½hr Heritage Tour
Tour starts at 11.30am from the Kiosk at the Isthmus. Tour covers the Island heritage with commentary on the occupation of Te Motu-a-ihenga by Maori, and then the European ownership from 1840, Government ownership from 1872 and the period as Quarantine Station, Internment Camp, Health camp terminating in 1941. We then cover the history from 1941-1963 as HMNZS Tamaki, and finally the Motuihe Trust and the reafforestation project up to the current time. The tour involves a short walk (approx 1 km) over predominantly even ground at the Northern end of the island. You will have time for a short break and a cup of tea and can return to Auckland on the 1.05pm ferry, or spend the afternoon on the beach.
2) 1.15pm: 2hr Restoration Tour
Tour starts at 1.15 pm and will take approximately 2 hours, returning to the Kiosk at 3.15pm.This tour requires a high level of fitness and good sturdy shoes. The length of the walk is approximately 4.0km and some of the ground covered is uneven. The walk will take you through the newly formed and surfaced Saddleback track in the old forest area of Te Motu-a-Ihenga on the western side of the island with fantastic views back across the inner Gulf to Auckland City and the Waitakere Range in the distance. You can expect to see some of the now thriving and growing population of translocated Saddlebacks, Kakariki on this pest free haven. The island has growing populations of Tui, Bellbirds, Kereru, Grey Warbler, fantail, Oyster catcher, and of course the Little Spotted Kiwis. Many species are doing well because of its pest free status, and the abundance of food provided by the 345,000 trees planted by volunteers in the past 10 years
The cost of both tours is $5 per person.
Enquire and book via the 360 Discovery ticket office.
0800 360 DISCOVERY
info@360discovery.co.nz
Motuihe Island Kiosk Operations
The kiosk will be operating daily from 26 December 2011 through to the end of January, selling ice-creams, teas and coffee and a small range of Motuihe souvenirs and also providing information on the island. Kiosk hours will be generally 11.00 am through to 3.15 pm. On Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, the kiosk will remain open to 4.30pm.
