HAURAKI GULF AND ISLANDS

The pristine waters between Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula are better known as the Hauraki Gulf. As New Zealand’s largest marine reserve, live the island-lifestyle on six accessible motu.

WAIHEKE ISLAND

40-minute ferry from downtown Auckland

Good weather days bring bike rides along the Rangihoua mountain bike trails or within Whakanewha Regional Park; beach treks to secluded bays with Waiheke Horse Tours, or visiting Waiheke Distilling Co, a new boutique gin distillery and garden straddling Waiheke’s eastern reaches.

Waiheke Island © Todd Eyre

Inclement days might include lounging before a vineyard fireplace with a cheese board, a ‘dinner for two’ roast lamb meal from Waiheke Specialty Food store (delivered straight to your door if you’re self-catering) or a film at the Waiheke Island Community Cinema with its cosy, mismatched sofas. For rainproof adventures, the Hop-on, Hop-off bus visits Waiheke’s best vineyards, galleries, shops and cafés on a fully enclosed double-decker bus.

ROTOROA ISLAND

75-minute ferry from downtown Auckland

This predator-free bird sanctuary is just over an hour by ferry from downtown Auckland and well worth a visit. The ferry only operates on the weekends.

Rotoroa - an island of restoration © Rotoroa Island Trust

RANGITOTO ISLAND

25-minute ferry from downtown Auckland

The youngest of Auckland’s volcanoes cuts a striking figure on the horizon, and ferries to its base deposit walkers for a two-hour summit hike. The top grants sensational 360-degree views and peeps into a colossal crater. Allow extra time for exploring the lava caves, a 15-minute detour from the summit, look for signage.

Walking on Rangitoto Island © Todd Eyre

KAWAU ISLAND

30-minute ferry from Sandspit Wharf

Enjoying its own microclimate, winter temperatures can still hit 20 degrees celsius. Dense bush lends itself to rugged walks and bird spotting. Sir George Grey (Governor-General of New Zealand) purchased Kawau in the 1860s and you can still visit his Victorian mansion, botanical and zoological park (now with a café).

Mansion House, Kawau Island @ Monica Tischler

A two-hour round walk from Mansion House leads to one of Aotearoa’s first copper mines while Bon Accord Bar & Bistro, nestled within the Kawau Boating Club serves post-walk refreshments. The intrepid should jump on the water and sail south-west to Beehive Island, where low tide exposes a platinum-white sand shelf comparable to Fiji.

Catch the Royal Mail Run Cruise to Kawau Island. Departing at 10.30am every morning from Sandspit Wharf, the voyage includes 75 wharf stops and incomparable beauty.

Hobbs Beach, Tiritiri Matangi Island © Mark Meredith

BIRDS, BEACHES, BEAUTY AT TIRITIRI MATANGI ISLAND

For something very special, consider a 75-minute ferry trip from downtown Auckland to Tiritiri Matangi, an island sanctuary for New Zealand native birds. It’s a nature lover’s paradise. Tiri, as it’s known by locals, is also home to a spectacular lighthouse, walking trails and beaches. You can also catch a 20-minute ferry ride to the island from Gulf Harbour on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula.