Moutohora Island Sanctuary offer tours of Moutohorā (Whale Island) - one of New Zealand’s little-known treasures, departing from Whakatāne.
Moutohorā is home to a number of New Zealand’s rare and endangered plants, birds, and reptiles. Located 9 kms off Whakatāne, the island is under the protection of the Department of Conservation (DOC) with access highly restricted to the general public. Moutohora Island Sanctuary is privileged to hold a DOC concession to take a small number of visitors to this island sanctuary each day.
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Moutohorā Island Sanctuary (Whale Island)
Departing from Whakatāne wharf, the journey to Moutohorā is just a short 15-minute boat ride aboard our comfortable catamaran “The Moutohorā Cat”. Disembarking the Moutohorā Cat is as easy as walking down some stairs and stepping ashore. The fully guided tour of the island allows visitors to learn about the flora and fauna and the conservation efforts focused on Moutohorā for the past 50 years.
Since becoming pest-free, bird life on Moutohorā has flourished and there is a chance to see a number of different species, many of which are endangered or seldom seen on the New Zealand mainland. Your time on the island will end with a look at the geothermal area and for those interested, there is a chance for a swim at Onepu, Moutohorā’s very own hot water beach. After re-boarding the Moutohorā Cat we’ll make a circumnavigation of the island before heading back to Whakatāne.
The complete Moutohorā Island Sanctuary tour takes 4 - 4.5 hours and departs daily weather dependent. Check-in is required 30 minutes prior to departure to allow for biosecurity checks.
Private group tours are also available. For group prices, please contact us.
