Motutapu Island is part of the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, and at 178 million years old is one of the oldest land masses in the area. The entire island underwent a pest eradication program, and today it is a great place to see beautiful native birds like the rare tieke.
Motutapu Island features a number of walking trails; some include gun emplacements from WWII as well as tunnels and other WWII sites. Visitors are also offered the opportunity to explore the island with one of the Ngai Tai tribal guides, who share their traditional knowledge about the island's history.