Auckland Gulf Islands

Waiheke, Great Barrier, Rangitoto and Tiritiri Matangi

Auckland's Hauraki Gulf is home to a multitude of islands, each with its own distinct character.

Take Rangitoto Island, for example. This volcanic protrusion, with its burnt crust of lava crumble, was a thriving holiday destination in the 1930s, when many tiny and colourful baches were erected on its fringe.

Today, these baches are no longer used (although many are preserved), yet visitors remain drawn to this island to scramble over its basaltic rock base and trek up its 259 metre high summit beneath an awning of native bush (including NZ's largest pohutukawa forest).

Tiritiri Matangi Island, a one-hour ferry ride from Downtown Auckland, has become an internationally recognised conservation success story. It has been cleared of introduced predators and planted with more than 300,000 native trees. Eleven threatened native bird species (including the extremely rare takahe) and the tuatara now call Tiritiri Matangi home.

Great Barrier Island is yet anther pristine location. Renowned for its remote and rugged beauty, walks on this island are amongst the best in New Zealand. More than 100 kilometres of well-maintained tracks offer spectacular sightseeing amid canyons, valleys, native forest, mountains and coastline.

And of course, there's Waiheke Island. Probably one of the most visited (and better known) islands in the Hauraki Gulf, its laid-back atmosphere remains a magnet for artists and alternative lifestylers.

A day trip to Waiheke Island could include visits to vineyards, olive growers, art studios, swimming at a local beach, lunch at a cafe or vineyard restaurant, or a visit to Stony Batter.