Moutohorā (Whale Island) Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most awesome little treasures! A dormant volcano that sits less than 10kms off the coast of Whakatāne, it is a special piece of paradise. This island is pest and predator free which makes it the perfect place for many native species to thrive. This includes the kiwi and a very ancient reptile, the tuatara.

GETTING TO MOUTOHORĀ

The best way to get to Moutohorā is with Moutohorā Island Tours (previously White Island Tours) who are based in the Eastern Bay of Plenty city of Whakatāne. The team are fantastic and look after you from the moment you book your trip. It costs $99 (NZD) for an adult and $59 for a child under the age of sixteen. From the 1st of April 2020, the price for an adult will be $119. A percentage of the price goes to the local Coastguards and the Department of Conservations work on the island. Isn’t this is fantastic!

BIO-SECURITY FOR MOUTOHORĀ

Because this island is home to so many endangered native species, much care is taken to keep it pest and predator free. Landing on the island is only allowed with consent from the Department of Conservation. You will be informed of what you can and cannot take with you. You will also go through a bio-security check before boarding the boat.

THE TOUR OF MOUTOHORĀ

Once on board you will head out of the harbour and into the open ocean, taking less than 30 minutes to reach Moutohorā. Upon arriving to the island you might be lucky to spot some New Zealand fur seals lazing on the rocks. The boat will anchor and you will be ferried onto the island in a small inflatable boat.

Once everyone is on shore and ready, a tour guide will take you on a stroll through the bush and up to a lookout on the saddle between the islands two peaks. From here you will get an fantastic view of Whakaari (White Island), New Zealand’s only live volcanic island. During the tour your guide will tell you all about the native flora and fauna that thrives on the island and its history. If you are lucky you may get to see some of the wildlife and you will definitely hear it. The bird song is magnificent!

Before getting back on the boat the last stop is at Onepū Beach, just over the hill from the where you came ashore. This is a hot water beach and if the tide is out far enough you will be able to see bubbles in the water. If you find the right spot you can dig in your toes and feel the heat. The water is definitely warmer in some places. A swim here is a must, especially if it is a nice warm day. They water is pristine and really refreshing.

Before you know it it will be time to leave Moutohorā and head back to the mainland. Your time in paradise will be over before you know it. But there will be one last treat, a delicious cookie handed out by staff to enjoy on the ride home. The whole trip takes about four hours and the time will fly by. I can not recommend enough how fantastic this trip is and absolutely worth doing if you are visiting the Eastern Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.

OTHER LINKS THAT MAY INTEREST YOU:
Top Ten things to do in the Bay of Plenty
Ultimate Travel Guide for Tauranga New Zealand
Te Puia – Rotorua, NZ

ABOUT THE WRITER – Karllie is a solo budget traveller with a passion for inspiring others to explore her homeland of Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Having travelled to many places around the world she still believes there is nowhere more amazing and beautiful as home. In her 40s, Karllie has a background in education and enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking. Find out more about Karllie…

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