Islands in the Hauraki Gulf

Several of the islands have only a few people living on them....and are popular with boaties and kayakers who enjoy peaceful picnics on the beautiful white sandy beaches.

Some are accessible by ferry but many are only reached by private boat or kayak. Some will have basic camping facilities while others it is illegal to camp. Check with the Department of Conservation for details on what is permitted.

Rangitoto Island

Auckland’s famous landmark island has no permanent residents....with a handful of historic holiday homes recently restored (baches) the only accommodation.

You can take a day trip to the island from Auckland.Take the ferry to Rangitoto and walk to the summit for some beautiful views and an interesting experience on a volcanic island...the main vegetation being the pohutakawa trees.

If you have limited time or limited walking fitness there is a small train that will take you to the top in a relaxed and comfortable trip.

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is probably the most populated of the Hauraki Gulf islands with 7,000 residents which swells over summer to around 30,000!

Once the transport improved and they found the island which enjoys a milder climate than Auckland City was very suitable for grapes and olives....the originally mainly arty locals were joined by those planting vineyards, opening up B&B’s or businesses related to the tourism industry the island enjoys.

Day trips or longer term stays are possible with plenty to keep you busy including wonderful wine and food. Whether you opt to stay a few days or take a day tour to Waiheke you will want to enjoy some of the beautiful beaches, have lunch at a winery....a platter under the trees in summer is fabulous! Try a wine tasting first...then have a glass with your meal.

Or take the bus to Onetangi and sit on the deck of either The Beach Store or Charlie Farley’s overlooking the beach and enjoy a great meal.

If you are lucky you will be able to go to one of the many wine and music or garden festivals which are annual events. A wine tour from the city is an excellent day trip incorporating sightseeing and wineries.

You can hire kayaks, bikes and cars. Explore Oneroa Village and the beach below. Visit the Art Gallery and Whittaker’s Music Museum which is quite unique with a demonstration of many unusual and rare musical instruments.

Motutapu Island

Popular for school groups there is a camping ground at Home Bay - (book through Department of Conservation) and an Outdoor Recreation Facility with a confidence course, survivor challenge course and Burma trail. Snorkelling and kayaking are also good activities.

With well developed roads this island ....one of the oldest in the Hauraki Gulf....much older than Rangitoto which is 600 years old. It is mainly in pasture and was developed for use by the Navy.

You can walk to the cone summit, Crater Bay and the many archeological sites. You can walk across the causeway built in World WarII to Rangitoto Island.

There is a passenger ferry you could take for a camping stay if you are not kayaking or boating there. It is also a pleasant day trip.

Motuihe Island

Once the island where in the late 1800’s people with small pox were quarantined...then the Germans living in New Zealand and Samoa in World War 11. After the war it became a Naval Training Base.

It is now possible to take a 30 minute ferry out to the island and camp overnight. You can explore the island finding the many archeological sites,....or just enjoy a quiet break on the beaches.

Tiritiri Matangi

This bird sanctuary located in the Hauraki Gulf is popular with tourists and locals alike .....for day trips. This sanctuary is a special day tour.

Walk around the island where you see many native birds, are treated to their melodic birdsong, while taking in lovely views and New Zealand bush.The views from the island are spectacular.

You can do a guided tour from the wharf up to the lighthouse. The guides will identify the birds and their bird song for you...many of the birds are not seen often.

If you want to stay overnight you can book for a bed in the bunkhouse through the Department of Conservation. You will need to provide your own bedding.

The ferry leaves from Gulf Harbour or The Sandspit. Ferry bookings HERE.

Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier has long been a retreat for those who want to get away from it all and live the quiet life. There are several places to stay and the Quick Cat Ferry means an easy ride to get there....unless you choose to fly. Tryphena is the main centre. Not really a day trip....but lovely for a longer stay.

Kawau Island

Once the home for Governor Grey, Mansion House on Kawau Island is a fascinating look at life in the early 1800’s on this island. The gardens have magnificent tress planted when the house was first built.

You can enjoy beautiful bush walks and coastal walks including exploring the ruins of the old copper mines making this a great family day trip.

• Climb the headland to Momona Point...the track starts from the right of Mansion House and loops back following the cliffs along the western coastline to Lady’s Bay (30 mins).
• You can do a short detour to the Miners Track (15 mins) to the old copper mine.
• At low tide, walk across the rocks to the ruins of the copper mine engine house.
• Longer walks include the Redwood Track to Two House Bay (45mins).
• The 15 min climb back over the steep headland to Mansion House Bay.

Rotoroa - Opened to the Public February 2011

Rotoroa Island which is privately owned has been gifted to Auckland! For the first time in 100 years it has been opened to the public.

Rotoroa has an interesting history and they plan to build a Visitors Centre that will tell the story of the Salvation Army occupation of the island where they have run a retreat for Alchohol and Drug Rehabilitation in conjunction with their facility on Pakatoa Island.

A conservation park and restoration of historic features including the chapel, jail and schoolhouse will make this an interesting place to visit.....and there are 4 lovely beaches to enjoy. There are also to be limited short stay accommodation using some of the staff houses.

CLICK for Ferry Details

Rakino, Ponui, Browns Island - there are many more islands in the Hauraki Gulf. With different features and histories they are all beautiful in their own unique way....although many are not serviced by a public ferry.

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Which is your favourite Hauraki Gulf Island? Tell us about it!

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