Live at the Islands Concert – Real Kiwi Summer Experience in Motutapu

Auckland is the perfect destination for an island getaway. I know this would come as a bit of a surprise for a cosmopolitan city but the strategic location of the city allows it to be the jumping off point to islands dotting the Upper North Island landscape. Summer is predicted to be longer and hotter (fingers crossed) which will be the perfect combination to an island tour heaven.

“Live at the Islands, Concert + Conservation” is the best way to experience the real Kiwi summer experience. It is a concert that supports the conservation efforts for Motutapu Island plus you have the chance to do your own island tour while there. Sponsored by Ark Presents,  “Live at the Islands” will be on Saturday, 12th February 2011 at 12.30pm – 10pm.  It will be held at Motutapu Island – 30-40 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city.

The concert will feature Nathan Haines and the Dream Band, Anika Moa, The Earlybirds, Wellington International Ukelele Orchestra, Kirsten Morrell, Lisa Crawley and more. You also have the option of extending your party time and have fun at the ZM DJ Afterparty.

Motutapu Island is beautiful and the conservation efforts of the volunteers have shaped the landscape of the island to the summer haven that it is today. The concert is family friendly and concert-goers are encouraged to come to the island early and enjoy the stunning beach, historic and archaeological walks, or go for swimming and kayaking. Refreshments and food are available in the island but you cannot bring your own alcohol. The island has fully licensed bars that serve cocktails and your favourite beer.

Concert tickets are available at TicketMaster at $40 for adults and $15 for Children 5 and above. Kids below 5 are free.

You can visit the island through Fullers ferry or by your own boat. Due to the limited capacity of ferries, concert-goers are encouraged to book early. Your ferry ticket can only be purchased through Ticketmaster and it is recommended that this is done at time of event ticket purchase.

Ferry Ticket Prices are:

• Adults (over 15 years) – $30;
• Children (age 5 – 15) – $15 per person and
• Family (2 adults + 2 children) – $69.

Ferries depart from the Fullers Ferry Terminal in downtown Auckland and from Whangaparaoa, Gulf Harbour. If you are bringing your own boat, Home Bay will offer a safe anchorage and beach access for you.

The concert supports the Motutapu Restoration Trust in its major restoration project intended to restore and enhance the natural and cultural values of the island. In its bid to be a wildlife sanctuary, Motutapu Island has implemented biosecurity requirements to protect the island and its wildlife. Please help us keep this beautiful island pest-free and follow their rules. For more information, click here.

Ah… Enjoying a concert on an amazing island and also, helping the environment? That is what I call, island heaven! And being located a stone’s throw from Auckland makes it a perfect island getaway!

Photos via Flickr: Concert Photo by Filo_Boi and Motutapu Island by Serzz.