Last updated July 2026
Moturiki Island, also known as Leisure Island, lies just off Mount Maunganui Main Beach in Tauranga and connects to the mainland by a man-made land bridge. The small island offers an easy short walk with panoramic ocean views, a natural blowhole, and rock pools. It serves today as a protected reserve that supports a colony of kororā (little blue penguins) and other seabirds. Visitors reach the island from Marine Parade and follow a well-marked path that takes roughly 15 to 30 minutes round trip depending on pace and exploration.
Practical Information
| Location | Moturiki Island, off Mount Maunganui Main Beach, Marine Parade, Tauranga |
| Access | Man-made land bridge from main beach; open year-round |
| Walk length | Approximately 1.1 km out and back (0.7 miles) |
| Time required | 15–30 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy, with some stairs and rocky sections |
| Wheelchair access | No |
| Dogs | Not allowed on the island |
| Toilets | None on the island |
| Highlights | Blowhole, rock pools, seabird colony, views of Mauao and the Pacific Ocean |
About Moturiki Island
Moturiki Island has a layered history that includes Māori occupation, industrial use, and commercial entertainment before becoming a protected reserve. Early Māori settlers established Moturiki Pā on the island, with terraced earthworks still evident in places before quarrying altered the landscape.
In 1911 the Crown established a quarry on the island to extract stone for railway ballast across the Bay of Plenty. The operation lasted about twelve years and created deep pits plus the distinctive blowhole at the northern tip through blasting. The site later hosted Marineland, an aquarium and marine park that operated from 1966 to 1981 and featured dolphins and other marine mammals. Leisure Island followed, using the former quarry pools for swimming, bumper boats and water slides until closure around 1990. Structures were removed after 1990 and the area has reverted to a natural state.
Today the island functions as a recreation reserve managed for conservation and public enjoyment. A colony of kororā (little blue penguins) breeds here along with other seabirds such as ōi (grey-faced petrel). The blowhole performs best during high tide and large swells, while rock pools along the shoreline support intertidal marine life. The short, mostly flat path provides unobstructed views across the Pacific Ocean, along Mount Maunganui Beach and toward Pāpāmoa.
Walking the Island
The walk begins at the land bridge on Mount Maunganui Main Beach and follows a clear track that leads to the blowhole at the northern end. The route is generally easy and suitable for most fitness levels, though some sections include stairs and uneven rocky ground. Allow extra time to explore side paths, scramble on rocks near the blowhole (with care for drop-offs), and observe the rock pools. The track surface is well maintained and suitable for casual footwear in dry conditions.
Wildlife and Conservation
Moturiki Island supports a colony of kororā (little blue penguins) and other native seabirds. The reserve status protects breeding habitat from disturbance. Dogs are prohibited to safeguard the birds, and visitors are asked to keep to formed paths and avoid approaching wildlife. The island also provides habitat for shorebirds that rest on the rocky shoreline. Conservation groups monitor the colony and run planting and clean-up events to support the birds.
Rock Fishing
The rocky shoreline at the northern end is a popular land-based fishing spot. Anglers target species including kahawai, snapper, John Dory and kingfish when conditions and tides allow. Safety requires awareness of rogue waves and slippery rocks; fishing is best attempted only by experienced visitors during suitable weather and tide states.
What Visitors Often Say
Walkers describe the short track as easy and rewarding, with excellent views of Mauao and the ocean. Many enjoy exploring the rock pools and watching the blowhole in action during good swells. Families note it makes a pleasant addition to a beach day, though some mention the lack of facilities on the island itself.
Reviewers frequently comment on the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to see penguins or seabirds. Anglers appreciate the accessible rock fishing while cautioning about wave safety. Photographers highlight sunrise and sunset opportunities from the northern rocks.
Where to Learn More
Pae Korokī – Tauranga City Libraries: Heritage collections and historical photographs of Moturiki Island and its past uses.
Bay of Plenty NZ: Official tourism page with history and access details for Moturiki (Leisure Island).
Tauranga City Council: Current rules on dog access including the prohibition on Moturiki Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moturiki Island open to the public?
Yes, the island is open year-round as a recreation reserve accessible via the land bridge from Mount Maunganui Main Beach.
How long does the walk take?
The out-and-back walk typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, covering about 1.1 km.
Are dogs allowed on Moturiki Island?
No, dogs are not permitted on the island to protect the seabird colony.
Is there a blowhole on the island?
Yes, a natural blowhole at the northern tip is most active during high tide and large swells.
Can I go fishing from Moturiki Island?
Yes, rock fishing is popular from the northern rocks, though visitors must watch for waves and slippery surfaces.
Are there toilets or other facilities?
No toilets or facilities are located on the island; the nearest amenities are on the adjacent main beach.
Is the walk suitable for children?
The easy track suits most children, though supervision is needed near rocks and the blowhole.
Can I see penguins on Moturiki Island?
A colony of kororā (little blue penguins) lives on the reserve; sightings are possible but birds should not be approached or disturbed.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.