Hop From Auckland to the Hauraki Gulf Islands

Island hopping is one of our favourite Kiwi summer adventures and in Auckland, it is an easy getaway from the city. Auckland is located near the Hauraki Gulf where the famed tourist island destinations of Hauraki Gulf Islands of the Pacific Ocean are located.

Most of the Hauraki Gulf islands are under the Department of Conservation and we have seen an increase in the number of native birds, animals, flora and fauna that adds to the natural beauty of the islands. The bigger islands of Great Barrier, Rangitoto, Motutapu, and Waiheke are tourist favourites for their great beaches, stunning views, varied wildlife and numerous summer adventures which include kayaking, kite surfing to name a few. The smaller islands are great for island hopping, snorkelling, and for private getaways.

Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto is the youngest island in the Hauraki Gulf, emerging from the sea around 70 years ago in a series of dramatic volcanic explosions. Rangitoto has a wonderful volcanic landscape that supports over 200 species of moss, plants and trees including the largest Pohutukawa forest in the world.

You can have short or long walks around the island and enjoy the amazing views of the Hauraki Gulf, the Waitemata Harbour and a look at Auckland City from the other side of the Gulf.

Motutapu Island

Motutapu looks like a large loaf and the island is made of grassy hills. Connected by a causeway to Rangitoto Island, it is an easy drive to the other side of the islands.

World War II has left landmarks on this beautiful island through the ex-military barracks are now used by the Motutapu Outdoor Education Camp Trust as accommodation for school, family and corporate groups as part of outdoor camps and field trips.

Great Barrier Island

Dramatic mountain ranges and beautiful stretches of white sand ocean beaches defines the island of Great Barrier. Known for its wilderness and rare bird life, tourists flock to this island to have a glimpse of the wildlife. Having the options of walking tracks through native bush, fishing, diving kayaking, boating, horse riding, golf and bird watching also help boost the tourism for this island haven.

Waiheke Island

The heady delights of the various wineries and the clean, safe, and sandy swimming beaches of the island make it a hit among locals and tourists alike. You can visit the wineries, have a walk along the beautiful shoreline or go sea kayaking, the activities to do in the island are endless.

Other Islands

There are other smaller islands in the Gulf like the Browns Island, Kawau Island, Little Barrier Island, Motuihe, Rakino Island, Tiritiri Matangi, Motuora, Moturekareka, Noises Group, Rakitu (Arid) Island and Motu Kaikoura. Most of them are not accessible through regular ferries but they offer some privacy and varied activities so there are still some people who love to island hop among these islands.

Going to the Islands

By Passenger Ferry

There are Fullers and Sealink ferries departing Auckland to the Islands. Fuller Ferries have routes to Great Barrier Island, Motutapu, Waiheke and Rangitoto from Pier 2, Ferry terminal, 99 Quay Street, Auckland. For more details, click here.

SeaLink Ferries have routes for Great Barrier and Waiheke Island. Catch a ferry from their operations office in Corner of Beaumont and Jellicoe Streets, Freemans Bay, Victoria Street West, Auckland. For more details, click here.

By Car Ferry

If you want to explore the Great Barrier Island following your own itinerary and using your own car, Sealink offers freight for cars.  For more information, click here.

By Bus

Fullers Ferries offers a Hopper Bus. They have a fixed itinerary for Waiheke Island and all you have to do is buy a ticket and hop into their bus. The bus will be loaded to their ferry and at the destination, you get to see the islands based on their pre-packaged itineraries. Fares and details are available here.

By Plane

If you want to enjoy the scenic views of the Great Barrier Island from above, the Great Barrier Airlines and Fly My Sky are the best options  for you.

Staying at the Islands

There are a lot of hotels dotting the bigger Hauraki Gulf Islands or you can have the option of camping in permitted grounds.

There are a lot of activities to do in the islands and there are some good tour packages that include island hopping, kayaking, fishing and anything your little heart desires. Adventures Today have a really good selection.

Lastly, we have to remember that we are entering a conservation zone and we appreciate if you follow the rules laid down by the Department of Conservation to help keep the islands pristine and the flora and fauna thriving. So that means, making sure that the stuff that you bring to the Islands are pest-free, follow the rules, and don’t forget to have fun and take only amazing pictures and wonderful memories with you!

For more information of the islands check: Auckland City Local Government.

Photos via Flickr: Great Barrier Island by Andy_Kyte_UK , Motutapu Island by World Island Info and Rangitoto Island by Daniel Ngu.