PUBLIC VOLUNTEER DATES FOR 2010

Tree planting season has started !
Fullers winter sailing schedule

Tree planting started in May and continues to the end of September. With the nursery literally bursting at the seams we are looking for lots of volunteers to meet this season's tree planting challenge. Book your planting day now by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or phone (09-522-0919) or text (0275-570-845) as space is limited*

Where are we planting in Winter 2010?

The majority of the tree planting activity in 2010 is taking place in Lower Watershed paddock with some planting in Hospital Flats. Upon arrival at Motutapu Home Bay wharf, you have an approximate 5 minute walk to the Red Barn where all are welcomed and the day is explained.

As per the map, we then walk from the Barn, along the Home Bay campground road (there are three separate toilets on the way), then cross a bridged stream to begin a steady, but not too strenuous, climb up to Lower Watershed.

There is time for you to take a breather on the way up and admire the fabulous views above Home Bay and looking out over the Hauraki Gulf.  The walk from the Barn to the planting area takes around 15-20 minutes. We take your bags up to the site for you on the truck/trailer

For our regular treeplanters, please note that the planting slopes are gentle compared to recent seasons.

Scheduled Volunteer Days

  Scheduled public volunteer days usually take place every first, third and fifth Sunday of each month except if the day coincides with a public holiday weekend. However please check our updated date schedule below.

Groups or individuals of any age, either local or from overseas, are all welcome to join one of our public volunteer days. Children should be accompanied by an adult.

Corporate groups are welcome on public volunteer days or mid-week by arrangement.We also have small groups of volunteers working on the island on other weekends.

Register as a volunteer online then email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (our online volunteer day registration facility will be available soon) and let us know the day/s you would like to come to the island. Alternatively you can phone Bridget 09 524-5072, Belinda 09 522-0919 or 0275 570845

Ferry times
Ex Downtown :9.15am
Ex Devonport : 9.25am

Ferry returns to Devonport/Downtown approx. 4.30pm (winter. The winter timetable commences 1 May); 5.30pm (summer)

Fullers move to their winter programme commencing in May. The only weekend sailings calling at Home Bay Motutapu during winter (May - October) coincide with our May- October public volunteer Sunday dates as above. Departure time from Downtown ferry terminal is 9.15am with the return journey leaving Home Bay at 3.30pm.

Ferry ticket prices
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Fullers, a special 'tree planters' fare is available on presentation of a Motutapu 'volunteer' card

Adults : $20
Child : $10

But make sure you check out our Winter weed-busting ferry ticket promotion

Volunteer Card
Collect your volunteer card from the Trust representative at the 'meeting place' on the morning of departure. If you are boarding at Devonport we will email or post you a confirmation of your eligibility for the discounted fare.

Meeting Place
Under the arch of the Ferry Building, Downtown, next to the foreign exchange bureau, from 8.45am to 9.00am

Car Parking
Thanks to sponsorship from the Auckland City Council, free carparking is available at the Auckland City Council 'Park Right' Downtown Car Park

• Entrance behind the Copthorne Hotel, opposite the Tepid Baths
• Access from Sturdee St (from Fanshawe/Nelson St) or from the one-way street at the northern end of Quay St (next to the Copthorne Hotel)
• Bring car park ticket with you to the island to exchange for a 'free' one

What to Bring

• Money for ferry ticket, refreshments on return ferry
• Sturdy footwear - trampers boots are ideal, trainers OK
• Wear warm gardening type clothes, several layers.
• Always bring your wet weather gear (you just never know - this is Auckland remember!)
• Lunch and drinking water
• Thermos/hot drink in winter
• Sun cream and sunhat in summer
• Day back pack - zip up
• Swimming togs in summer plus towel
• Your required medication (our volunteer leaders do carry first aid kits)

Biosecurity Checklist

• Check bags for rodents,insects and other pests prior to boarding the ferry
• Carry food in sealed, rodent proof containers free from insects
• Bags must be sealed - no plastic bags, open top bags, or supermarket bags
• Check boots are clean - no soil or seeds in laces or treads
• No dogs or domestic animals
  

No smoking in planted areas

Cancellations

• We seldom cancel public volunteer days
• In the unlikely event of an atrocious forecast we will cancel our public volunteer day
• Visit this website on the Saturday to check for cancellations and check the home page 'Newsflashes'
• Check www.metvu.com for up to date weather forecasts

We Supply

• Gardening gloves (bring your own if you prefer)
• Spades, weeding equipment and plants

Be Prepared

• Remember to bring your lunch and drinking water as there are no shops on Motutapu
• Wear warm clothes and bring wet weather gear as some work sites are exposed
• CLEAN sturdy footware (tramping boots are ideal). Important Biosecurity Information
• As some work sites are on hillsides a reasonable level of fitness is required

We hope you can join us!

Please register at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone if you plan to join us (we need to have an indication of numbers for our planning).

Call Bridget on 09-524-5072 orBelinda 09-522-0919

The Motutapu Restoration Trust again wishes to express its appreciation to Fullers for its generous discount provided to Trust volunteers. Check here for Fullers ferry timetables