Discover Hauraki Gulf & Islands

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

Between Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula, over 50 droplets of land sprinkle the sapphire waters of the Hauraki Gulf. Most are uninhabited, others boast populations of 7000 plus; a few are just minutes from downtown Auckland, while others require private yachts and meticulous planning. One thing’s for certain, whether they’re little or large, for conservation or recreation, every island is beautiful – and beautifully unique to Auckland.

WAIHEKE AND CHILL

Aside from its jaw-dropping beauty, Waiheke Island is convenient, too: just 40 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland. Amble from wine tastings in oaky cellars to vineyard restaurants buzzing with live bands. Jump on the Waiheke Island Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour or make the most of the water: stand-up paddleboarding, swimming and kayaking excels here.

Energise your island stay by ziplining over the treetops with EcoZip Adventures or head to Wild on Waiheke for archery in the vines, clay pigeon shooting, pétanque and volleyball. If you’d rather flop and drop, schedule some beach time on a near empty stretch of sand, or sit back and relax at the Waiheke Island Community Cinema. There’s no conventional seating, just several cosy sofas.

Waiheke Island © Miles Holden/Tourism NZ

ROTOROA ISLAND

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.

A view over Ladies Bay, Rotoroa Island © Rotoroa Island Trust

RANGITOTO ISLAND

The youngest of Auckland’s volcanoes cuts a striking figure on the horizon, while ferries to its base are timed to allow a walk to the top before returning to downtown Auckland. The summit grants sensational 360-degree views and peeps into a colossal crater. Allow extra time for swimming and exploring the lava caves.

SURPRISING KAWAU ISLAND

Kawau has everything you could ever want from an island. There are no roads, it’s isolated and surrounded by azure water, there are landscaped gardens and roving peacocks. If it sounds dreamy, that’s because it is. A standout is Mission House, a grand Victorian mansion once owned by Governor Grey, one of New Zealand’s most famous political figures.

Grey can also be credited for developing Kawau Island into the sanctuary of exotic and native species that it is today. For something completely niche, catch the Mail Run service. Departing Sandspit at 10.30am every day, the boat stops at 75 wharves to deliver mail, with staff simultaneously entertaining passengers with stories about the island’s diverse wildlife and history.

Mansion House Kawau Island © Monica Tischler

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.

GET OFF-GRID ON GREAT BARRIER ISLAND

Getting off the grid has never felt so idyllic. Ruggedly beautiful and ringed by golden beaches, Great Barrier Island is a short flight or a four to five-hour ferry trip from downtown Auckland. There is no reticulated electricity supply, supermarkets, banks or ATMs but there are natural hot springs, craggy hikes and starlit skies. The first indication that you’re heading towards paradise will be on the ferry; dolphins like to swim alongside.

Kaitoke Hot Springs Track,Great Barrier Island, Hauraki Gulf © Todd Eyre

• The total darkness of Great Barrier Island is palpable – it was the first island in the world to become an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. It’s claimed that 5000 stars are visible on a clear night – about 10 times as many as across the rest of Auckland.

• A drive along the east coast reveals sweeping white-sand beaches, in contrast to the western side where the beaches are rocky and sheltered.

• The Aotea Track makes for an engrossing multi-day tramp.

• Charter a fishing boat or join a heli-fishing tour to find the best fishing spots around the island.

• Discover the island’s native wildlife, with great birdwatching, snorkelling and diving spots.

Many of Hauraki Gulf’s islands are free of pests. Help by checking your gear for pests, cleaning footwear of soil and seeds and sealing your bags, in case of stowaway rodents or insects.

Aotea Track, Great Barrier Island, Hauraki Gulf © Todd Eyre

Main Image: Rotoroa – an island of restoration © Rotoroa Island Trust