Last updated November 2026
Burned, grazed by sheep and later used as an experimental Angora goat farm, Motuara Island Scenic and Historic Reserve has spent the last 70 or so years growing back into low forest without any replanting. The island sits in outer Queen Charlotte Sound opposite Ship Cove, about 32 km from Picton, and the Department of Conservation manages it.
Rats were eradicated in 1992, and DOC has since brought in South Island robin, kākāriki, tīeke and the Maud Island frog, while young rowi kiwi are raised here before going back to the wild.
History runs deep too: in 1770 Captain Cook proclaimed British sovereignty over the South Island from Motuara. Boats land at a jetty, and DOC’s lookout track climbs from it to a summit platform in about 40 minutes return.
Practical Information
- Location
- Outer Queen Charlotte Sound, opposite Ship Cove, about 32 km from Picton
- Distance from the city
- About 53 km from Blenheim in a straight line; the nearest town is Picton
- Access
- Own boat, scenic cruise or sea kayak; jetty available
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Walking times
- Motuara Island Lookout Track (easy): 40 minutes return from the jetty to the 128 m summit platform
- Dogs
- No dogs or other pets, under DOC’s general rule for island reserves in the Marlborough Sounds; the Motuara pages don’t list a separate dog rule
- Facilities
- Jetty, bird viewing station and summit viewing platform
- Status
- Department of Conservation: Motuara Island Scenic Reserve page
About Motuara Island Scenic and Historic Reserve
Motuara’s place in the story of Queen Charlotte Sound starts well before Cook. DOC notes that Hippa Island, at the southern tip of Motuara, was the site of a pre-European Māori pā.
Next door, Meretoto/Ship Cove was where Māori and Pākehā first met on a sustained basis, and Cook used the cove as his base in the 1770s. In 1770 he proclaimed British sovereignty over the South Island from Motuara itself.
The island’s later history is one of hard use. DOC says it was burned around the start of the 20th century, then grazed by sheep and used as an experimental Angora goat farm. In 1910 a ranger, Mr T Turner, lived on the island to catch poachers shooting pigeons at Ship Cove.
Recovery came with time rather than planting. Over about 70 years the island has regenerated into low forest, and DOC says no replanting programme has been carried out. Rats were eradicated in 1992, and other introduced pests were removed in the early 1990s.
A Sanctuary for Birds
With the pests gone, DOC moved threatened species to the island. South Island robin (toutouwai), yellow-crowned parakeet (kākāriki) and the Maud Island frog have all been released here, and tīeke (saddleback) were translocated in 2009.
DOC explains that today’s South Island saddlebacks descend from 36 birds rescued in 1964. Bellbird (korimako), tūī, grey warbler (riroriro), kererū, silvereye (tauhou), fantail (pīwakawaka) and the Marlborough green gecko also live here.
Motuara also works as a crèche for rowi, a kiwi found only in South Ōkārito Forest near Franz Josef. Eggs are hatched in captivity and the chicks are brought to the island, where they stay until they reach 1 kg and can return to the wild. DOC says fewer than 500 rowi remain, mainly because of stoats.
Like other island reserves, Motuara depends on visitors keeping pests away. DOC’s pest-free islands advice is to check your gear and boat for rodents, ants and skinks, clean soil and seeds off footwear and gear, and report any pest seen on an island to 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
The Lookout Track and Cook’s Cairn
From the jetty, an easy track sidles around the hill on a moderate gradient, with several lookout points, to the summit viewing platform at 128 m. A bird viewing station is about five minutes from the jetty, and Cook’s Cairn stands near the summit. DOC gives 40 minutes return.
DOC’s advice for the Sounds applies on the way out: the weather is generally mild but can change quickly on the water, so check the marine forecast and carry the right gear.
Fires need a permit at any time of year, because the Sounds are under a year-round restricted fire season. Carry water or treat it before drinking, and if you are allergic to wasp stings, bring antihistamine in late summer and autumn.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Motuara Island Scenic Reserve: reserve information, history, birdlife and status. Reserve information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui: the wider Sound, its history and DOC’s fire and weather advice.
Department of Conservation: Visiting pest free islands: what to check and clean before you land.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Motuara Island?
In outer Queen Charlotte Sound, opposite Ship Cove, about 32 km from Picton and about 53 km from Blenheim in a straight line.
How do I get to Motuara Island?
By your own boat, on a scenic cruise or by sea kayak. There is a jetty.
How long is the walk to the top?
DOC grades the lookout track easy and gives 40 minutes return from the jetty to the 128 m summit platform.
What birds can I see?
DOC says you could see South Island robin, tīeke (saddleback) and kākāriki, and bellbird, tūī, kererū and fantail also live on the island.
What happened on Motuara Island in 1770?
Captain Cook proclaimed British sovereignty over the South Island from the island. Cook’s Cairn stands near the summit.
Why are rowi kiwi on the island?
Motuara is a crèche for rowi chicks hatched in captivity. They stay until they weigh 1 kg and are then returned to the wild.
Can I bring my dog?
No. DOC’s pest-free islands advice says dogs, cats and other pets are not allowed on island reserves in the Marlborough Sounds, and that covers Motuara.
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