Hauraki Gulf
This gulf is dotted with islands. Some of them make a popular day trip from Auckland. 47 Of the islands belong to the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. In this part of the website the activities are not described under the activities but per island. The most popular islands are described below, other islands are most of the time only reachable by own transport. Some islands are even restricted for visitors by the DOC in order to keep the nature in tact.
Great Barrier Island
(population 900)This is Hauraki Gulf’s biggest island and lies 80km from the mainland, so it is not suitable for a day trips. This island is rugged and has beautiful scenery. The nature is very natural on this island due to the absence of the possums.
There are some excellent Beaches for lying on and for Surfing. Diving is also popular on this island; there are many fish. The island is very suitable for mountainbikers. Also horse lovers will be able to do some horse trekking. Tramping is popular as well. There are many trails, some bring you to a canyon or a hot spring. Sea kayaking is also an option on this island.
Rangitoto Island
(population 100)This island has a 260 meter high volcano which had its last eruption more than 600 years ago. This island is an excellent one to visit for a day or overnight trip. There are many pleasant walks on this island (for example to the top of the volcano) and it is also possible to rent out a kayak or to make a sailing trip or to abseil.
Waiheke Island
(population 8000)This island is the most visited island in the Hauraki Gulf. It has attracted many artists, who exhibit their art. Easter Waikheke Island is hosting the annual Jazz Festival. There are a couple of nice museums on this island. Every Saturday a nice market is being held. The island has over 24 wineries.
The island is also blessed with some nice sandy Beaches, for the more active amongst us there are some walking tracks. For example in the forest and bird reserve and on the eastern part of the island. It is also possible to rent a kayak, to ride a horse, to sail on a catamaran, to paraglide to surf and to make a scenic flight on this relaxed island on Auckland’s doorstep.