Auckland is home to the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, a conservation area that extends over 1.2 million hectares. These protected coastlines and pest-free islands are sanctuaries to many of New Zealand’s rarest native species – from shorebirds and endangered wildlife to endemic trees and regenerating forests.
Tiritiri Matangi Island 90 Minute Guided Walk
- 90 to 120+ minute walk dependent on what you see!
- Learn about the exquisite wildlife, revegetation and history of Tiritiri Matangi
- Uncover the best spots to see native birds, and learn to identify their calls
- If you're lucky, see kororā (little blue penguins) in their nesting boxes
- Finish at the visitor centre for complimentary tea and coffee, and visit the island gift shop which supports Island projects
- See New Zealand's oldest working lighthouse
Rotoroa Island 90 Minute Guided Walk
- 90 minute walk
- Learn about the island's natural history, restoration and social history as an island for addiction treatment
- Take in the island's rugged coastline, sandy beaches and regenerating forest
- Visit the seven-metre high sculpture by New Zealand artist, Chris Booth
- Uncover the best spots to see native wildlife
Coromandel The Coromandel Classic Tour
- Two days – overnight tour
- Cathedral Cove: Visit natural rock structures via a stunning coastal walking track
- Hot Water Beach: Dig your own spa thermal pool
- Driving Creek Railway: Journey on a mountain train and enjoy the views from EyeFull Tower
- Guided Kauri Forest Walk: Stroll through groves of giant kauri and visit Waiau Waterfall
- Ferry fare included
Coromandel New Chums Beach Explorer Tour
- Half Day - weekday and weekend tour
- Rated one of the top 20 wilderness beaches in the world
- Scenic drive over mountains and coastline to the hidden, unspoiled beach
- Self-guided 25 - 30 minute walk, across a stream and coastal rock-hopping
- Perfect for a picnic, swim or relaxation
the hauraki gulf Meet Our Native Birdlife
- Learn more about the birds you’re likely to see across the Hauraki Gulf’s islands
- Birdlife can be found on Tiritiri Matangi, Rotoroa and Rangitoto Islands
- 23 seabird species breed in the Hauraki Gulf’s area
- Endangered species have been reintroduced away from predators and pests
Rotoroa Island Museum & Visitor Centre
- A state-of-the-art visitor centre
- Learn about Maori and early European settlement
- History of NZ's first and longest running addiction treatment centre
- Visit preserved, historical buildings
- Open hours: 10.00am - 5.00pm
- Entry fee of $5 per person
Tiritiri Matangi School Groups
- Up-close and personal wildlife encounters, and a chance to experience the environment as it was back in the day
- Tailored educational programmes and guided walks for students from year 1 to year 13, and beyond
- Learn about the importance of conservation efforts
- Discounted rates for school groups and accompanying adults
- Visit our school groups page to learn more
Tiritiri Matangi Island Stay The Night
- For a truly unique experience, stay overnight in DOC’s (Department of Conservation) bunkhouse - the only accommodation on the island
- Observe New Zealand’s nocturnal wildlife emerging as the sun goes down
- Wake up to Tiritiri’s world famous dawn chorus
- Kororā, and the little spotted kiwi, are just some of the wildlife you may be lucky to see on an overnight stay
- Visit the DOC website to learn more
Rotoroa Island Stay The Night
- Serenity Holiday Home - Four bedrooms + bunkhouse, sleeps up to 13 people
- Oranga Cottage - Three bedrooms, sleeps up to six people
- Mahoe Holiday Home - Four bedrooms, sleeps up to seven people
- The Superintendent’s House - Dormitory style, sleeps up to 18 people in bunk beds
Motutapu Island Stay the Night
- Stay overnight on one of the Hauraki Gulf’s oldest islands steeped in history
- Idyllic beachfront campsites available at Home Bay
- Five unique campsite pods near the historic Reid Homestead
- Visit the DOC website to learn more
Rangitoto Island Volcanic Explorer Tour
- At least 4.5 hours, including ferry travel
- Guided 4WD road-train tour through 600-year-old volcanic landscape
- Transport to the base of the summit, and short climb to the top for panoramic views
- Commentary about the island's history and geology
- Return trip to the wharf via the western side of the island
- Return ferry to Rangitoto Island from downtown Auckland
coromandel Guided Kauri Forest Tour
- Approximately 1.5 hours
- Walk through majestic groves of giant kauri - one of New Zealand's rarest tree species
- Guided commentary with stories about the area's history
- Short walk to the picturesque Waiau Waterfall
- Beautiful photo opportunities