Moutohorā

Moutohorā, commonly known as Whale Island, is a small, pest‑free volcanic island sanctuary located about 9 km off the coast of Whakatāne in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. The 1.43 km² island, with twin peaks rising to 353 m, is a remnant of a Pleistocene volcanic cone and still hosts geothermal features like hot springs and fumaroles :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

How to Reach Moutohorā, Bay Of Plenty

Access is strictly via guided tours offered by DOC‑approved operators. Tours depart from Whakatāne’s Strand East waterfront (e.g. Awa Motel pickup) and include a 10–15 minute boat crossing :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

Before boarding, visitors undergo biosecurity clearance—boots and bags are checked, disinfected, and sealed to prevent introducing pests :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

Weather at Moutohorā

The island’s climate mirrors Whakatāne’s maritime weather. Summers (20–28 °C) are warm, winters are mild (10–16 °C), and rainfall is moderate. Tours may be canceled in rough seas, high winds, or fire‑risk conditions :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

Timings of Visits

Tours are seasonal:

• Dec–Feb: Daily departures
• Oct–Nov & Mar–Apr: 4 days/week
• May–Sep: 2 days/week (typically Wed & Sat)

Departure is around 10 AM, lasting approximately 4 hours. You’ll be notified the evening before if canceled due to weather :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

Why Famous for Moutohorā, Bay Of Plenty?

This island is known for its:
– Unique status as one of NZ’s few pest‑free wildlife sanctuaries, home to tuatara, tieke (North Island saddleback), kākāriki, little blue penguins, grey‑faced petrels, kiwi, and fur seals :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
– Geothermal activity: Hot springs at Onepū Bay and Sulphur Valley where you can dig your own pool :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
– Cultural and archaeological significance—from Māori pa sites to early European whaling, sulphur mining, and quarrying history :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

Entry and Visit Details

– Permit required: Only landings via DOC‑licensed operators, not independently :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
– Pricing: Adult NZD 149–169, Child NZD 64–85, includes boat fare and DOC landing fees :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
– Check‑in: 9:30–9:45 AM at Awa Motel or waterfront kiosk :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
– Biosecurity: No fresh food, sealed bags, footwear dip—strict rules in place :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
– Minimum age: 6 (recommended 8+) :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
– Facilities: Basic DOC shelter, emergency radio; tours provide guides and meals :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

History & Archaeology

Māori presence dates to the Mataatua waka era, with Pa Hill fortifications and seasonal harvesting noted by Ngāti Awa and Tūhoe :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}. European activity included an 1830s whaling station, 1880s sulphur mining, and WWI rock quarrying :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

Conservation began in 1965 when the island became a wildlife refuge, purchased by the Crown in 1984. Goat eradication and replanting led to a thriving native forest. In 1999, 40 saddlebacks were reintroduced, marking conservation success :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

Things to Do

• Guided walks through regenerating bush to spot wildlife—tuatara, tieke, kākāriki, kiwi transmitters :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Visit fur seal colony at Boulder Bay :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Dig your own hot pool at Onepū Bay’s geothermal beach :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Bird watching—look for grey‑faced petrels, dotterels, penguins, kaka, falcon :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Snorkeling/diving around reefs and wrecks; dolphin and whale watching :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Photography—capture wildlife, volcanic cliffs, thermal vents.

Facts about Moutohorā

• Island area: ~1.43 km², peaks at 353 m :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Hosts 190 native and 110 introduced plant species, now pest‑free :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Declared wildlife refuge in 1965, purchased in 1984 :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
• Featured in “Quidditch Through the Ages” as home of Moutohora Macaws :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
• Part of a joint management fund—Te Tapatoru a Toi—by Ngāti Awa and DOC :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.

Tips for Visiting

• Book early—capacity limited and weather‑dependent :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.
• Wear sturdy footwear, swimwear, sun protection, and bring snacks in sealed bags :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}.
• Check weather updates and confirm tour the night before :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}.
• Adhere to biosecurity—do not carry fresh fruit or open bags.
• Respect wahi tapu—avoid sacred sites like Te Pari Kawau and stay on trails :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}.
• Support conservation by removing rubbish and following guide instructions.
• Bring a camera and extra battery for wildlife and landscapes.