By Connor Sheppard, 05 February 2025
Step-by-step Guide to Bag Most Northern Hut in NZ
3 km/1 hour ish kayak off Matauri Bay to Motukawanui Hut on Motukawanui Island - last known attempt was 3rd-5th February, by Connor!
Need:
-
Car
-
Sunscreen
-
Water bottle
-
Waterproof clothing
Cost:
-
$80 from Moana Kayaks
-
Way too much on fuel
-
Hit google maps and drive out to Northland!
-
Stay night in Northland Night before (Optional/recommended)
And maybe crash at somewhere on the way if you’re driving from far (family in Auckland would be handy for that).
Would recommend Lane Cove Hut - it’s a 1.5 hour walk to a nice coastal hut with a pretty landscape. And the 2nd most Northern if things go sour!
3. Get to Bay of Islands - hire a kayak
Start EARLY in the day - 10:30 is a safe bet.
Moana Kayaks in Paihia will give you the equipment to tie kayak to the car
4. Drive & drag kayak to Matauri Bay, and head off!
Don’t let the initial beach waves scare you - it gets easier when you’re off the coast! But do check the waves/wind/weather before heading out!
5. Kayak ‘strongly’ for 3km/1 hour to Motukawanui island
Make sure to apply sunscreen on your upper legs!
Don’t let the wind and current drive you off route! Hopefully you can drift towards the island.
6. Once on the coast - walk to the right, which will get you to the hut
You did it! Hopefully the hut is open so you can log your intentions and add the OUTC logo!
7. Kayak back. Take it easy!
Try not to let any increased strength in waves stress you out!
3 km is not as far as you think! The North Island is in visual distance (a former OUCC member’s wise words - always look where you want to paddle to keep you focused!)
8. Take a dip on Matauri Beach - you’ve earnt it!
It is a really nice beach worth visiting!
9. Drive back to Paihia before Moana closes
Remember tightening the kayak properly -> don’t let it scrape car roof!
The topo map of my trip:
LANE COVE PHOTOS
KAYAK TO CAR:
Matauri Bay:
^^^^ Neither is Motukawanui Island, you have to kayak to the left around the coast, then you will see it!
Motukawanui Island:
