Motuora Island Restoration Project

United Vehicle Rentals is a Major Sponsor of the Motuora Island Restoration Project.

Our initial motive for becoming involved in the campervan business was our love for this country and its clean, green, natural beauty. Some years ago as part of our commitment to environmental responsibility, we joined with the Motuora Restoration Society and New Zealand’s Department of Conservation in the restoration and reforestation of Motuora Island.

About an hour north of Auckland and 5 kilometres off the mainland, the island is predator-free and beyond swimming distance to predators from the mainland. In other words, it's the perfect place to be transformed into a forested sanctuary for endangered birds, reptiles and insects, yet still remaining easily accessible for visitors.    Here’s how we're helping, and what's been happening in the new environment being created on the island:

What we are doing

Every year United Vehicle Rentals provides financial support for the planting on the island for up to 30,000 trees, eco-sourced and raised in the Motuora Restoration Society’s island nursery.   So far, approximately 80% of the island has been reforested by volunteers who have planted well over 350,000 of these trees.  Most of United’s team have joined a planting party or are planning to in the future.

Kiwis and lizards, diving petrels, dotterels and whiteheads have been released and are thriving on the island. Dotterels are nesting at Home Bay, oystercatchers are defending their young at the entrance to the campground, and a lone brown teal duck paddles on the main dam.    Kiwi chicks love their new island nursery where they are raised in safety from predators, to be released back into their original mainland habitats once they have reached adulthood. Native geckos and skinks newly released introduced to the island have lost no time in familiarising themselves with their new habitat, searching out and establishing their territories and starting families.

Seed from the delicate New Zealand native bindweed was collected and scattered, giving this twining vine with its small white flowers and distinctive arrow shaped leaves the opportunity to grow and thrive on the island.

You can join us

A stunning place to visit, the island boasts crystal clear water, soft sandy beaches and total tranquillity. Visitors are welcome, and if your visit coincides with one of the Motuora Restoration Society’s planting trips, all the better – you’ll soon find yourself with a spade in one hand and a tree in the other!

Planting days are normally on the last Sunday of each month from April to July, while general work is carried out on the last Sunday of each month from August to November.  In 2011 approximately 12,000 seedlings will be planted.There are always opportunities for you to visit this special place and help in the work of establishing native forest there, either on the five-day volunteer trips run by New Zealand's Department of Conservation, or on the regular monthly one-day volunteer trips organised by the Motuora Restoration Society.

One-day tree planting trips to the island during 2011 are on the following dates:

Ask us for details when you book your motorhome.