Explore Hauraki Gulf and Islands

The Hauraki Gulf and its islands are some of Auckland's greatest assets. With ocean and coastline in every direction, the region is reputed to have the largest boat ownership per capita in the world. A visit to Auckland is not complete without experiencing some of the many on-the-water activities.

At any time of the year, you can enjoy dolphin and whale watching, sailing charters and fishing tours. To get the blood pumping, try sea kayaking, windsurfing or crewing on an America's Cup yacht. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, there are coffee cruises, lunch cruises and romantic dinner cruises. Or simply jump on a ferry and discover an island.

Each of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf has its own distinctive character. Some are no bigger than a haystack, while others would constitute a whole country elsewhere in the world. Most are around 30 minutes' ferry ride from downtown Auckland - but they are a world away in atmosphere.

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Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island is a place where tranquillity is a way of life. You'll find golden beaches, crystal clear waters, vast native forests, and only a handful of people to share it with.

Great Barrier Island is remote and ruggedly beautiful. Take your tramping boots, because the forests are laced with well-formed tracks that lead to secluded natural hot springs and historic kauri dams. Great Barrier Island has a great range of activities including surfing, sea kayaking, bird watching, golf, boating, fishing and walking.

Daily flights to Great Barrier Island operate from Auckland Airport and from North Shore Airfield, taking approximately 30 minutes. A vehicle and passenger ferry operates from Wynyard Wharf in downtown Auckland; by sea the journey takes approximately four hours.
For more information visit www.greatbarriernz.com

Tiritiri Matangi Island

Tiritiri Matangi is an island sanctuary that provides a pest-free habitat for many rare bird species. A restoration project carried out by the Department of Conservation in the 1980s and 90s involved the removal of predators and the introduction of several endangered native bird species. These included the saddleback, takahe, parakeet, North Island robin, kokako, little spotted kiwi and brown teal duck. The island is a taonga (treasure) and visitors are rewarded with the special experience of seeing some of New Zealand's most interesting birds in the wild - often close up.

A ferry service runs to the island. Pack a picnic lunch and take a day trip to walk the island's tracks and listen to the birds.

Kawau Island

Kawau Island is home to the historic stately mansion of the first Governor of New Zealand, Sir George Grey. Grey imported many exotic plants and animals to the island, and wallabies and peacocks still remain. From Mansion House Bay, walking tracks lead through the regenerating native forest to beaches, Maori pa sites and old copper mines.

The island can be reached by ferry from Sandspit, just one hour north of Auckland.

Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto is an iconic landmark in Auckland's inner harbour which pushed its way through the ocean floor around 600 years ago. Richly upholstered in basalt lava, Rangitoto offers spectacular 360 degree views from its summit, lava caves and the world's largest pohutukawa forest. The journey to the summit can be made by foot or 4WD road train.

Motutapu Island

Motutapu (sacred island) is much older than neighbouring Rangitoto, and completely different geologically and botanically. The island was intensively occupied by Maori over several hundred years, and Maori were living on Motutapu when Rangitoto erupted from the sea. There are hundreds of archaeological sites on the island, as well as relics from more recent times. The island is mainly in pasture, although forests are being replanted and wetlands restored as part of a major community conservation project. Visitors are welcome and there are a number of roads and walking tracks to explore. The island is joined to Rangitoto by a causeway built in WWII. There is a basic campsite at Home Bay.

Ferries depart regularly from central Auckland to both Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands.

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is one of the larger Hauraki Gulf islands. Its landscape is a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves.

A day trip could include visits to vineyards, olive groves and art studios, swimming at a local beach and a meal at a cafe or vineyard restaurant. Guided tours are available to help visitors explore the landscape and discover the island's highlights.

Waiheke can be reached by a 35-minute passenger ferry trip from downtown Auckland. If you want to take a car, a vehicle ferry runs from Half Moon Bay - the trip takes 45 minutes. Transport options on the island include a bus service and taxis. Alternatively, cars, scooters or bicycles are also available for hire.

A range of accommodation is available on the island, ranging from luxury retreats to backpacker hostels. Private beach houses are also available for rent.
For more information visit www.waihekenz.com

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