Explore the island
Join us on Matakohe Limestone Island
Plan your trip to Matakohe Limestone Island
The restoration of Matakohe Limestone Island make it a beautiful place to re-connect with nature and re-energise yourself. It’s also an excellent place to take the kids for an outdoor activity. Connecting people (visitors and volunteers) with the natural world in a way that promotes environmental responsibility is important to us, as it contributes to the restoration of our local and national ecosystems. Conservation is at the heart of everything we do.
Getting there
Situated in the upper reaches of Whangārei Harbour in Northland, Matakohe Limestone Island can be accessed in various ways. Private boats, kayaking and paddle boarding are all options in good weather from the Onerahi boat ramp. Kayak and cruise boat operators offer access to the island, and groups can make arrangements with the island’s ranger for barge trips.
Facilities and walking tracks
A great starting point is the visitors pavilion near the floating pontoon on the southeast side of the Island. Information boards tell of Matakohe Limestone Islands’ interesting history. Walking tracks wind their way across the island, making exploring the island’s different ecosystems, historic ruins, and Pa site easy. At low tide, a walk around the coast takes about an hour. A highlight for many visitors is exploring historic cement works and managers’ houses.
Education and community groups
School groups are most welcome to visit the island. It will be an educational and insightful day spent with the ranger, where children will learn about biodiversity, conservation, and the behaviour, natural habitat and conservation status of endemic species. School and community groups can get to the island by arranging a barge trip with the ranger.
You can get involved!
One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to explore Matakohe Limestone Island is to volunteer. On the first Wednesday of every month and regular weekend volunteer days the ranger picks up volunteers from the Onerahi jetty or boat ramp. Volunteers spend as much time as they want helping with a range of activities and can spend some of the day exploring the island.
No dogs, fires, camping and pests
Matakohe Limestone Island has a strict no-dogs, no-fires, and no-camping policy. Before accessing the island, please make sure to check your bags and boats for unwanted pests like ants, mice, and rats. We work hard to keep the island predator free, so your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Let us know what you think
We always welcome your feedback so when you’ve finished your visit to Matakohe Limestone Island, please post a comment on our Facebook page.
Please note:
There are two public toilets on the island, one near the visitor’s pavilion and one above the historic manager’s house. An AED (defibrillator) can be accessed in an emergency and is stationed on the town side of the island adjacent to the barge landing.
