Motiti Island

Motiti Island is a small island located in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty and has a rich but divided history. It is 21 kilometers northeast of the coast of Tauranga and currently has about 30 permanent residents. The island has many beautiful sheltered coves and inlets. It also features many avocado orchards and agricultural farms on private land. You can visit this island to go swimming, diving, paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking or just to relax.

Many marine wildlife day-cruises stop by this island due to the abundance of marine life. You can spot many tropical fish, sunfish and dolphins when visiting Motiti Island.    Boat cruises do not land on the island out of respect for the islanders. There are Pohutukawa trees along the foreshore of the island which has a mixed Maori and European population. The island is composed mainly of volcanic rocks and is a relatively flat island. It is also a habitat of the tuatara species. The south-eastern part of the island has a famous wreckage Taioma which sunk in the early aughts.