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Auckland

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Auckland

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Tracks & walks on the Hauraki Gulf islands

Hauraki Gulf islands

Visitors are welcome on most publicly owned conservation islands of the Hauraki Gulf. These include Beehive, Motutara, Motuora, Saddle, Tiritiri Matangi, Rangitoto, Motutapu and Motuihe islands. Parts of Great Barrier, Kawau and Waiheke are also public conservation land.

Browns Island (Motukorea) Recreation Reserve

The Auckland volcanic reserve Browns Island (Motukorea) is home to Maori and Eurpoean historic sites and artefacts.
Location: Motukorea lies a short distance offshore from Auckland's eastern suburbs.

Great Barrier Island Aotea

Great Barrier Island is the largest island off New Zealand's North Island and lies 100 kilometres north-east of Auckland. More than 60 per cent of the island is managed by DOC.
Alert: Kauri dieback has been found on Great Barrier Island.
Location: Great Barrier Island lies 100 km northeast of downtown Auckland on the outer edge of the Hauraki Gulf.

Hauraki Gulf Marine Park

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is home to a myriad of islands and five marine reserves, most of which can be visited for recreation and relaxation.
Location: The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park covers an area of more than 1.2 million hectares on the east coast of the Auckland and Waikato regions, and includes the Waitemata Harbour, Firth of Thames and eastern coastline of the Coromandel Peninsula.

Kawau Island Historic Reserve

Visit Kawau Island, former home to Sir George Grey, who developed the stately Mansion House and its exotic gardens. The house, gardens and tracks on the reserve are open to the public.
Alert: Dispute Cove Track permanently closed.
Location: Kawau Island lies north of Auckland in the Hauraki Gulf.

Little Barrier Island Nature Reserve (Hauturu-o-Toi)

Little Barrier Island (Hauturu-o-Toi) is one of New Zealand's predator-free nature reserves, and home to a multitude of endangered species. You must first obtain a permit to visit.
Location: Little Barrier Island (Hauturu-o-Toi) lies 80 km north of Auckland city on the outer edge of the Hauraki Gulf.

Mokohinau Islands Scenic & Nature Reserves

The Mokohinau Islands lie 100 km north-east of Auckland. The islands are home to skink and muttonbird populations. Recreational activities include walking and diving.
Location: This small group of rugged islands lie about 100 km northeast of Auckland and 25 km northwest of Great Barrier Island.

Motuihe Recreation Reserve

Motuihe Island in the Hauraki Gulf offers history, nature and recreation. It is a popular Auckland destination for camping, exploring and relaxing on the beach as well as being the site of an exciting community-led ecological restoration programme.
Location: Motuihe is in the Hauraki Gulf near Motutapu and Waiheke islands.

Motuora Recreation Reserve

Come to Moturoa Island for a picnic, or camp for the night at this predator-free Auckland reserve. It's possible to hear and sometimes see (at night) North Island brown kiwi on the island.
Location: Motuora Island lies 5 km east of Mahurangi Heads, north of Auckland.

Motutapu Island Recreation Reserve

Motutapu Island Reserve is popular for its historic and recreational value. You can come camping and exploring on this Auckland island.
Location: Neighbours Rangitoto Island in the Hauraki Gulf.

Rakitu (Arid) Island Scenic Reserve

Rakitu (Arid) Island is a predator-free scenic reserve in the Auckland area. The island is home to a diverse population of forest and birds.
Location: Rakitu Island lies five kilometres off Great Barrier's eastern coast.

Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve

Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve is the youngest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field. It is home to our largest pohutukawa forest, and some unique plantlife.
Location: Rangitoto Island is in the Hauraki Gulf.

Te Matuku Marine Reserve

The 690-hectare Te Matuku Marine Reserve protects one of Waiheke Island's largest and least disturbed estuaries, along with an area outside Te Matuku Bay in the Waiheke Channel.
Location: The reserve is located at the far south-east corner of Waiheke Island and can be accessed by land and sea.

Tiritiri Matangi Scientific Reserve (Open Sanctuary)

You can be one of the lucky few to visit Tiritiri Matangi each day. This scientific reserve near Auckland is home to many native species due to being predator-free.
Location: It lies 4 km off the coast of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, north of Auckland.

Find out more

Publications

Islands of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park booklet

Weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Contacts

Auckland Visitor Centre
Phone:	+64 9 379 6476
Address:	137 Quay Street Princes Wharf Downtown Auckland 1010
Email:
Full office details