Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
Introduction
Learn about the many islands you can visit in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park/Ko te Pataka kai o Tikapa Moana Te Moananui a Toi.On this page:
Also visit Hauraki Gulf marine reserve pages.
Places to go
Motukorea Browns Island - owned by Auckland Council.
Great Barrier Island/Aotea
Aotea Conservation Park has the only multi-day wilderness walk in the Auckland region, boasting two DOC huts and numerous campsites.
Kawau Island Historic Reserve
Step back in time on a day trip to Kawau Island, where Sir George Grey, created a ‘gentlemen’s estate’. Visit Grey’s historic Mansion House and gardens, and walk easy tracks featuring Māori and colonial copper mining heritage sites.
Te Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier Island Nature Reserve
Te Hauturu-o-Toi can only be visited with a permit.
Maungauika/North Head Historic Reserve
Take a self-guided walk through tunnels and other features of the area's military history.
Mokohinau Islands
The pest-free Mokohinau Islands lie 100 km north-east of Auckland. The islands are home to skink and muttonbird populations. Recreational activities include walking and diving.
Motuihe Island
Crystal clear swimming, white sandy beaches, and a variety of native bush walks with the unique opportunity to see tuatara in the wild – this pest-free island has something for everyone.
Motuora Island
Come to pest-free Motuora for a picnic, or camp for the night. It's possible to hear and sometimes see (at night) North Island brown kiwi here.
Rangitoto Island
Emerging from the sea just 600 years ago, pest-free Rangitoto Island is the youngest volcano in New Zealand. An Auckland icon and deeply enriched with history, it's long been a favourite day trip for walkers, and a much loved boating destination.
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Tiritiri Matangi is rich in Māori and European history with one of the most successful community-lead conservation projects in the world.
Waiheke Island
A popular day trip destination for families, with good boating, swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
Island nature reserves that require a landing permit
You must have a landing permit to land on these islands:
- Mokohinau Islands (all except Burgess Island)
- Little Barrier Island/Hauturu
- Cuvier Island
- Mercury Islands (all except Great Mercury Island)
- Alderman Islands
- Whangamata Islands
Pest free islands
You can visit many of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Many of these islands had pest animals removed and are sanctuaries for native wildlife.
Pest free islands include: Beehive Island/Taungamaro, Broken Islands (Pig Islands), Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island, Kaikoura Island (Selwyn Island), Mokohinau Islands, Motuhaku Island, Motuihe Island/Te Motu-a-Ihenga, Motuora Island, Pakatoa, Rakino Island, Rangitoto Island and Motutapu Island, Rotoroa, Tarakihi (east of Waiheke), Te Haupa Island (Saddle Island), The Noises and Tiritiri Matangi Island.