mokoia island trip

Exploring Mokoia Island In Rotorua

Our guide to the Island Sanctuary & Maori Legend situated on Lake Rotorua

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Experience Mokoia

• History of Mokoia Island
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Wai Ora Experiences Mokoia Island Tours

Welcome to our new and improved cultural and eco-attractions available on Mokoia Island, Lake Rotorua.

Mokoia Island Wai Ora Experiences now offers visitors a unique opportunity to visit Mokoia Island – a wildlife refuge for endangered New Zealand birds such as the Kiwi, Saddleback, and Kokako.

Visitors can now immerse themselves in the history of Mokoia, its cultural significance and also participate in a traditional Maori welcome challenge before being guided by the unique flora and fauna of the island.

There are five tours operating on a daily basis and you can book any one of our packages at Volcanic Air Safaris office at the Rotorua Lakefront.  You can also book tours right here on our website.

Here at Wai Ora Experiences we also offer incentive organisers the opportunity to hire Mokoia Island exclusively for conferences and functions.  There is a broad range of activities available along with the chance to indulge in some indigenous Maori meals.

Mokoia Island: The Location of New Zealand's Greatest Love Story

• Australia and Oceania > New Zealand > Lake Rotorua

Geothermal pools

Visit the famous Hinemoa's Pool.

Bird watching

Get close to some rare bird species.

Hiking and bush walks

Explore the island.

Boat cruises

Cruise around the island.

Māori culture

Learn about Māori culture and history.

Tree planting

Plant a tree on your visit here.

There’s a composting toilet on the island.

Mokoia Island, a rhyolitic lava dome which rises 179 metres above the lake’s water level and was formed by slowly oozing lava, is considered by many the most well-known lake island in New Zealand. It is located in the centre of Lake Rotorua, 2 km from the eastern shore. With a surface area of 1.35 square kilometres, the uninhabited island has been a sanctuary for wildlife and endangered birds since 1921.

Mokoia Island is also known by an old Polynesian name, "Te Motutapu-a-Tinirau", the sacred island of Tinirau, "the ancestor of all fish". It is owned by four local Maori iwi, or tribes, who run it with the help of the New Zealand Department of Conservation.

You can explore beautiful Mokoia Island on any of the easy tracks available.

The Legend of Hinemoa and Tutanekai

Mokoia Island’s notoriety can at least partially be attributed to one of the most beloved and well-known Māori legends, the legend of Hinemoa and Tutanekai, one of New Zealand's greatest love stories.

The story goes that at one time, a high ranking and beautiful young maiden named Hinemoa lived in Owhata, on Lake Rotorua’s eastern shores, and she was the daughter of a very influential chief. Hinemoa was declared puhi (meaning sacred) because of her rank, so her family and the elders in her hapu (meaning tribe) would have to choose her husband when she reached maturity. Hinemoa’s grace and beauty were known far and wide, so many people came to seek her hand, but none of the suitors gained the tribe’s approval.

Tutanekai was the youngest in a family of several brothers who lived on Mokoia Island. He was born out of an affair of his mother with Tuwharetoa, who was from another tribe, but his mother’s husband raised Tutanekai as his own son. Every one of his elder brothers had seeked to win Hinemoa’s hand, but none won the approval of Hinemoa’s people. There were many young chiefs who saw Hinemoa during meetings where matters of the state regarding the tribe were discussed, and fell in love with her because of her beauty.

The same thing happened to Tutanekai, but he was well aware that he would never win the approval of Hinemoa’s people because of his lowly birth. However, Tutanekai was very handsome and extremely skilled at the games that Maori used in preparation for battle, and which were played at gatherings.

Eventually, Tutanekai’s qualities caught Hinemoa's attention, and she fell in love with him. With each tribal meeting, their love for each other deepened, but they were only able to convey their feelings through glances of longing, without ever being able to speak with one another. Because of this, Tutanekai would sit on Mokoia Island’s shores, and would play sad music on his flute. On still evenings, the music would waft across the lake to where Hinemoa also sat, filled with sadness and passion. In order to prevent Hinemoa from sneaking away, her people would pull the canoes on the shore, so they would be too heavy for her to move.

But after listening night after night to her would-be lover, Hinemoa couldn’t take it anymore, and decided she would swim to Mokoia Island. After she collected six calabashes from the cooking house, the next night she headed to the lakefront and went into the water at a beach called Wairerewai, and started swimming towards Mokoia Island. Because it was dark outside, she had to rely upon the sound of flute to guide her to Mokoia Island. When she finally made it to the island, she had become so cold that she went straight to the Waikimihia hot pool, which was right near Tutanekai's house.

After she warmed herself, Hinemoa had to think about how to let Tutanekai know of her arrival. As chance would have it, Tutanekai sent his slave to fetch a calabash of water, as he was thirsty. As he passed the pool where Hinemoa was sitting, a voice asked him for whom the water was, and the slave answered that it was for Tutanekai. Hinemoa asked for the calabash, and she smashed it on the side of the pool. When Tutanekai found out about this, he sent the slave again, but Hinemoa smashed the calabash for the second time.

Tutanekai became angry, so he took his mere (greenstone weapon), went to the pool himself, and challenged the person in the pool to reveal themselves. Although Hinemoa had hidden under a hanging rock and was standing still, Tutanekai found her and pulled her clear. He couldn’t believe it was Hinemoa, and when she came out of the water, he thought he had never seen such a beautiful woman. He wrapped his cloak about Hinemoa and they both went to his house to sleep.

The next morning, after seeing that his son was sleeping late and because Tutanekai always rose first, his father sent for him. The slave that his father sent came back and said that Hinemona was in Tutanekai’s house. The brothers would not believe this, but Tutanekai stepped out of his house together with Hinemoa. The people from the village noticed canoes coming towards the island, and feared war was coming because they knew it was Hinemoa's family. However, once Hinemoa’s family arrived on Mokoia Island, both tribes rejoiced and lasting peace between them was forged.

Flora and Fauna

As a wildlife sanctuary, Mokoia Island is home to a great variety of native plants, such as Totara, Pohutukawa, Puriri, Karaka, Pohutukawa, Kawakawa, Pikopiko, Cabbage trees, Flax, Titoki, or Whau. Various types of ferns that were used as everyday ingredients by the Maori who used to live here, can also be found.

The island is a bird watcher’s delight. Some of the bird species that can be encountered on the island include the Tui, Kiwi, Weka, Kokako, Pukeko (swamp hen), Papango (Teal), North Island Robin (Toutouwai), and Saddleback (Tieke). Many of the bird species are rare, and the North Island saddleback is even endangered. In order to protect these species, Mokoia Island is free of predators.

Activities and Things to Do

With its volcanic history, cultural and conservation background, it's not hard to put Mokoia Island at the top of the list of things to see in Rotorua. This place is amazing for geographers, bird enthusiasts, conservationists, but also for families.

Geothermal hot pools are present on the island, and while Hinemoa's Pool is the most famous one, there are other pools on the island as well. Geothermal spring water rises through the lake bed, a great chance for a great swim or for having a foot soak.

If you want to do bird watching, you’re in luck, as this is an amazing place for this activity. You can start from the cleared strip of land and into the lush, canopied bush, and go on the narrow trail. You will have the chance to hear one of the most beautiful bird choirs you have ever heard in your life, with many birds singing different types of songs.

There are some easy walking tracks on the island, which will allow you to explore it while the guides provide information about the local flora, fauna, and history.

Useful Info

• It’s advisable that you take your walking shoes;
• Get your camera, for some amazing photo opportunities;
• There’s a composting toilet on the island;
• If you want a quick snack, there’s a cafe located on the lakefront, but there are no shops on the island;
• Take your swimming gear if you want to go swimming.

Mokoia Island Tours

Nowadays, you can explore the history and the natural beauty that Mokoia Island has to offer with the help of a guided tour or a cruise. Visitors to the island can also enjoy a bath in Waikimihia (also known as Hinemoa's Pool), which is located on the south-eastern side of the island.

Access on the island is restricted to specific operators only, which go through inspections in order to make sure that their vessels are free of pests. You can check out cruise departure times or make reservations at the museum on the mainland.

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Mokoia island travel guide.

Visit Mokoia Island

Rising some 180 metres (590 feet) out of the centre of Rotorua, the tiny Mokoia Island is the site of New Zealand’s most cherished love story and home to some of the country’s rarest birds. Visit the island to discover its rich Māori heritage, to explore the endangered wildlife sanctuary and to bathe in its geothermic waters. Mokoia Island is operated by the Te Arawa indigenous people and can only be accessed as part of a tour.

Board the Mokoia Island boat in Rotorua township to speed across the lake’s glassy water in the direction of the island. Listen to tour operators as they tell the legendary story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai. Their families separated these two young lovers before Hinemoa swam across the lake so the couple could be together. Listen to the famous Māori song that tells their story.

As you arrive you’ll receive a warm Māori welcome before being led onto the island. Bathe in the naturally heated pools located along the island’s shores for a truly relaxing experience. Sit back and gaze across the lake in the evening as the sunset provides glorious colours reflecting in the water.

Bring your binoculars for some of the best bird watching in the area. The endangered wildlife sanctuary at the centre of the 1.4-square-kilometre (0.5-square-mile) island is home to rare species, including the North Island robin and the papango. Afterwards, take a guided bushwalk across the island to learn about the local flora and fauna.

Back on the boat, enjoy circumnavigating the island to see its rocky shores and to capture photos of the island against the lake behind it.

Mokoia Island is located in the centre of Rotorua and can be reached via boat. Sign up for the Mokoia Island Wai Ora Experience in Rotorua. A fee applies for the experience. Visit the island year-round.

• Our pick of the best Mokoia Island Hotel Deals
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Mokoia Island Wai Ora Experiences

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MOKOIA ISLAND WAI ORA EXPERIENCES (Rotorua) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Awesome Jet Boat Ride & Mokoia Island... - Katoa Jet

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Awesome Jet Boat Ride & Mokoia Island Tour

Had a free afternoon in Rotorua so decided to jump on the K Jet for a 1 hour trip across the lake over to Mokoia Island. The weather was not exactly great, but the ride was still epic. We made it over to the island and our very informative guide gave us a tour of the island and told us all lots of interesting stories about the Maori's from the local area. Some great legends / real stories - this island is the centre of a lot of amazing history and has a great feeling while you walk around. On the ride back to Rotorua we experienced what the boat could do, jetting along at 85+ km/ph doing all sorts of twists and turns and spins. It was awesome. Would highly recommend the tour over to Mokoia, but if you are short on time, just a 30min jet boat ride is also well worth it!

Thanks for your review. Mokoia Island is becoming so popular. We just love being able to share this special place & to top it off you get the jet boat. A great mix. Next time you have time on your hands come and have a go with our Parasailing :) cheers Fiona

Will and Adam were awesome. To be honest, I hated the jet boat. I knew that I would, but I just went on because my Mum wanted to. The tour of Mokoia Island was great though. I loved learning about the history of the area. Despite hating the spinning and the cold, Will somehow managed to make the experience a positive one, so thank you Will for humoring us and sharing the areas history. Anyway, this is worth doing even if you hate boats, the cold, and going fast, so that's really saying something!

Wow what an amazing review. I love your honesty !!!!. Good on you for doing it for your mum. :). Will & Adam are pretty cool as is Mokoia Island. Thanks again. Cheers Fiona

Superb fun with wife and two kids today. Powerful jet boat which the kids loved. Adam was our tour guide and driver. He was very knowledgeable and impressively in touch with the environment and island. His stories really helped bring some of the legends of Maori culture and history to life. Reasonable prices for photos too. Thanks to the team for a great family trip. Daniel

Hi there, Thank you for the lovely review. Adam will be chuffed. He is so passionate about Mokoia Island and it is great that he is recognized for that. Travel safe on the rest of your holiday. :) cheers Fiona

A great way to see the lake and Makoia island up close while having some high speed fun. Fabulous driver, great stories and history.

Thanks for your review. It is great that we can combine all of your description in the one trip. cheers Fiona

Did a mid day 50/50 jetboat trip to Mokoia Island. This trip is well worth it. The jetboat ride is exilerating, the boats are very powerful and a little swell on the lake you can get knocked about but have alot of fun doing it! Will our driver was very knowledgeable and experienced! We went to Mokoia Island and learnt about the history of the island. Very enjoyable trip would recommend to anyone.

Hi there, That's a lovely review. Yah you got to land on Mokoia Island. I will pass onto Will . He will be chuffed. cheers Fiona

Hihgly recommend Mokoia Island trip at Kawarau Jets!!! What a truely amazing opportunity. Amzing history, Adam our driver and guide was such a wealth of knowledge and an exceptional driver - we had a blast - I will happily recommend this as a must do when in Rotorua!! Speed, Thrills, History, Natural beauty!!!

Hi there, Thank you for your review. Adam is very passionate about Mokoia Island. This place is so special and we are extremely privileged to be able to show this off to people. cheers Fiona

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Katoa Jet -Lake Rotorua

Take a jet boat trip out to Mokoia island directly from the lodge jetty. Experience bird watching, Maori culture and geothermal activity.

Make your way to the island on a speed and spin jet or at a more relaxed pace on a water taxi.

Our team are always happy to help with selecting your activities and organising your itinerary. Get in contact today to start planning your experiences with us.

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Kahukiwi maori experience, mountain biking, canopy tours, buried village, redwoods tree walk.

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Boat cruises in Rotorua

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By Pure Cruise

Dotted with crystal-clear fresh water lakes and rivers that are steeped in cultural history, one of the best ways to experience the Rotorua region is to take a boat cruise.

Take a boat cruise on Rotorua 's beautiful Lake Rotoiti and visit the famous Manupirua Hot Springs – only accessible by boat. Or, learn more about the famous Rotorua legend of Hinemoa and Tutanekai when you take a boat ride to Mokoia Island in the heart of Rotorua.

For those passionate about fishing, many of New Zealand’s trophy trout are caught in the lakes and rivers around Rotorua and charters depart daily.  If you would prefer something a little quirky to see the sights, there’s Rotorua Duck Tours - an amphibious boat that drives both on water and on land. 

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Mokoia Island Wai Ora Experiences

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Mokoia Island Wai Ora Experiences - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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Off the Beaten Track to... Mokoia Island

Located in Lake Rotorua in New Zealand's North Island, is the tiny Mokoia Island (just 1.35 square kilometres). The island's present name, Mokoia, alludes to the death of Māori warrior, Arorangi at the hands of Uenukukōpako, whose weapon was a kō (digging stick). The death blow catching Arorangi across his tattooed forehea d - from the words moko (tattoo) and kō (digging stick) comes the name, Mokoia.

Mokoia Island is the location of one of New Zealand's most famous love stories. It is considered sacred by the local Māori, the Arawa iwi and access to the island is limited to small boat tour groups only.

The island is of particular interest to geographers as it is a rhyolite lava dome rising to 180 metres above the lake surface. This dome erupted after the Rotorua caldera was formed some 200,000 years ago tapping a different magma source. The island's foreshores have geothermal springs such as the one forming the famous Hinemoa pool (known to locals as Waikimihia).

Things To Do

• Bird watching – A number of endangered species have been introduced to the Mokoia Island sanctuary including weka (wood hen), North Island robin (toutouwai) and saddleback (tieke). You may also see native birds such as the pukeko (purple swamp hen), papango (teal), kokako and tui.
• Boat cruise – Enjoy a trip to and around the island.
• Bush walk – Take a guided walk and find out more about the island's native flora and fauna.
• Hot Pool – Soak in the famous hot pool Waikimihia (also known as Hinemoa's Pool). This is the pool that Hinemoa warmed herself in following her swim across the lake to Tutanekai.
• Māori Culture – Experience a warm Māori welcome and find out more about the love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai, as well as Māori history, culture and traditional cuisine.
• Tree planting – Plant your own tree to commemorate your visit and help to replant native species on the island.

Find out how to get there and more about activities on Mokoia Island .

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Mokoia island.

Visit Mokoia Island

Rising some 180 metres (590 feet) out of the centre of Rotorua, the tiny Mokoia Island is the site of New Zealand’s most cherished love story and home to some of the country’s rarest birds. Visit the island to discover its rich Māori heritage, to explore the endangered wildlife sanctuary and to bathe in its geothermic waters. Mokoia Island is operated by the Te Arawa indigenous people and can only be accessed as part of a tour.

Board the Mokoia Island boat in Rotorua township to speed across the lake’s glassy water in the direction of the island. Listen to tour operators as they tell the legendary story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai. Their families separated these two young lovers before Hinemoa swam across the lake so the couple could be together. Listen to the famous Māori song that tells their story.

As you arrive you’ll receive a warm Māori welcome before being led onto the island. Bathe in the naturally heated pools located along the island’s shores for a truly relaxing experience. Sit back and gaze across the lake in the evening as the sunset provides glorious colours reflecting in the water.

Bring your binoculars for some of the best bird watching in the area. The endangered wildlife sanctuary at the centre of the 1.4-square-kilometre (0.5-square-mile) island is home to rare species, including the North Island robin and the papango. Afterwards, take a guided bushwalk across the island to learn about the local flora and fauna.

Back on the boat, enjoy circumnavigating the island to see its rocky shores and to capture photos of the island against the lake behind it.

Mokoia Island is located in the centre of Rotorua and can be reached via boat. Sign up for the Mokoia Island Wai Ora Experience in Rotorua. A fee applies for the experience. Visit the island year-round.

• Mokoia Island Hotel Deals
• Vacation Rentals in Mokoia Island

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Check Mokoia Island hotel availability

Popular places to visit, skyline rotorua.

Take in the splendid scenery during a gondola ride and jump in a luge cart to navigate your way down the exciting mountain track.

• Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

Walk, cycle or ride a horse through this picturesque forest filled with a magnificent array of trees from around the world.

• Polynesian Spa

Set among the serene Government Gardens on the shores of Lake Rotorua, these hot pools are an idyllic place to relax and unwind.

• Lake Rotoiti

Marvel at the pristine Nelson Lakes National Park as you kayak across this magnificent lake to thermal pools and glow worm caves.

• Mitai Maori Village

For a great insight into Māori customs and way of life, sign up for this magical, entertaining and educational cultural experience.

During your visit to Rotorua, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Eat Street. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this culturally rich area.

• Cities near Mokoia Island

Lake Tarawera

Lake Okataina

• Places of interest
• Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
• Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park
• Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve

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Check availability on B&B in Mokoia Island

Compare 15 B&B in Mokoia Island with updated reviews, rates, and availability.

B&B @ the Redwoods

City Lights Boutique Lodge

Geyser Lookout BnB

Lake Lodge B&B Rotorua - Adults Only

Country Villa Estate

Rolling Hills Country Stay B&B

Romantic Country Escape

Rotorua Views BnB and Apartment

Clothing optional B&B for MEN, Rotorua

B&B Blossom Cottage

Parkside Boutique Lodge

Doolan's Country Retreat - Adults Only

Clover Downs

Koutu Beach Bed and Breakfast

Young B&B

Other property types in mokoia island.

Quest Rotorua Central

Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama

Kings On Peace

Mokoia island b&b information, recent reviews of mokoia island hotels expedia verified reviews.

ibis Rotorua

Tasman Holiday Parks- Rotorua

Silver Fern Rotorua Suites & Spa

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

Rydges Rotorua

VR Rotorua Lake Resort

Prince's Gate Hotel

Regal Palms Resort

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