Motuihe Island

Bad weather closing in. Rain and stronger winds forecast for later in the day. What better thing to do on such a Saturday as cruise out to one of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf for a walk and picnic. Well, that's exactly what we did this weekend.

As by way of explanation, we had credit to use that was about to expire after, of course, numerous stunning weekends in recent weeks to use it. Nevertheless, this was our last chance to use the credit, and despite low scudding clouds and a touch of dampness in the air, we decided to head out to Motuihe Island.

Motuihe Island is just a small island about a 30 minute trip from downtown Auckland, and after a diverse and interesting history, is now a DOC-controlled reserve. At various times in its past, Motuihe has been home to Maori pa settlements, farming, a quarantine station for 50 years, an internment camp for German nationals in WWI, and a navy training ground. However, since 2005, DOC has managed the island, eradicating pests and starting a native planting programme. Native species are also to be reintroduced to the island - Saddlebacks and Kakariki having been so already - and Kiwis are set to be released next year. Motuihe is also renowned for having some of the finest sandy beaches around Auckland.

Of course, on the shortest day of the year, taking advantage of the beaches wasn't a priority for us. Staying dry was one - though that fear turned out to be unfounded. Arriving at the island just before 10am, Rae, Tom, Anna and I had nearly 5 hours before we had to return to the wharf to catch the ferry back. This proved the perfect amount of time to walk around and enjoy the island. The island doesn't have the natural beauty of Tiritiri Matangi - yet - but still occupies a great scenic spot in the middle of Hauraki Gulf. From the vantage points of cliff tops and beaches, there are numerous views of Auckland landmarks like Rangitoto Island, Waiheke Island with the Coromandel in the distance, and Auckland City itself. Of course, that was when the misty showers allowed us to see them. Though despite the showers passing through the harbour, Motuihe seemed to dodge most of them and we were left virtually untouched by the weather. As well as the views, the island itself is plenty interesting enough. Apart from the young plots of native plantings, there are also some old gnarly trees, especially in a coastal strip aptly named the Old Forest. We didn't come across a Tom Bombadil unfortunately, but we did share our walk with plenty of Pukekoes, who did a surprising amount of flying.

With enough time to picnic by the beach and wander the remnants of gun placements and navy base, we were much relieved to rest our weary feet as the ferry returned at 2.30pm, most satisfied that we had dared the weather and made the most of the day.