Mokoia Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mokoia Island which includes a small town or village, a lake or waterhole and a sunset
Mokoia Island featuring cruising, a sunset and a lake or waterhole
Mokoia Island featuring a lake or waterhole, a sunset and a small town or village
Mokoia Island
Mokoia Island showing a small town or village, a lake or waterhole and a sunset

Accessible only on a guided tour, this small island at the centre of Lake Rotorua is rich in native birdlife and Māori history and culture.

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.

Rydges Rotorua

Rydges Rotorua

4.5 out of 5
10 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$141 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
NZ$141
31 July - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,017 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Rydges Rotorua
Arawa Park Hotel

Arawa Park Hotel

4 out of 5
272 Fenton St, Rotorua
The price is NZ$125 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$125
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
Great stay
"Nice place to stay with plenty of room"

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

Arawa Park Hotel
JetPark Hotel Rotorua

JetPark Hotel Rotorua

4 out of 5
237 Fenton Street, Corner Victoria Street, Rotorua
The price is NZ$171 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
NZ$171
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Easy to get around from here. Great breakfast and nice staff"

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

JetPark Hotel Rotorua
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama

Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama

4 out of 5
1420 Hamurana Road, RD4, Rotorua, Mourea
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Mourea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (551 reviews)
"Loved the little (big) ducks that came to visit us on our deck"

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama
Quest Rotorua Central

Quest Rotorua Central

4 out of 5
1192 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,038 reviews)
"Excellent service and room was very clean"

Reviewed on 26 Jun. 2025

Quest Rotorua Central
Alpin Motel & Conference Centre

Alpin Motel & Conference Centre

4 out of 5
16 Sala Street, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Polynesian Spa and Skyline Rotorua are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (603 reviews)
"Staff were super friendly, the location, the room it was all perfect, the kids loved the hot tub and being close to the pool. We know where we will be staying next time we are in Rotorua :)"

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Alpin Motel & Conference Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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