Hauraki Gulf islands

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.

    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.

    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.

    Back to top