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NEW ZEALAND | Auckland, New Zealand Travel Guide
Friday, April 26, 2024
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Hauraki Gulf Islands
Hauraki Gulf Islands
If you fly into Auckland during daylight hours, you can’t help but notice all the islands dotting the sea – there are more than 50. Most of them are easily accessible from Auckland.
Rangitoto
Cone-shaped Rangitoto is only 600 years old, formed by volcanic activity, and is just 10 km (six miles) northeast of the city. It has the world’s largest pohutukawa forest, interesting lava caves, and, because of the terrain, very few plants or birds. The walk to the top (about an hour) offers fabulous views of the area and there’s a plaque at the summit that describes the role of the island in defense during WWII. Next to Rangitoto, connected by a causeway, is Motutapu, which, in contrast to the rocky, porous ground of Rangitoto, is green and lush. You can camp at the basic DoC camping area on Motutapu.
Waiheke Island
This has become quite the place. Similar in size to Hong Kong, Waiheke was home to some of Auckland’s fringe – the artists and alternative-lifestylers – during the 1960s and 1970s. Then it became popular with the well-heeled business types and wine and olive growers and now, while still an easy-going place to hang out, is one of the trendier “suburbs” of Auckland.
In addition to walks, beaches, and art galleries, some of New Zealand’s best red wine – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabenet Franc – comes fromWaiheke. The vineyards are small, so the wine production is limited and prices are higher than much of the rest of the country. But it’s worth it. Don’t take my word for it, get out there.
Great Barrier Island
Go from upmarket winery tourism with little shops to the rugged lifestyle farther out to sea on Great Barrier Island. If you have time, this is a fantastic destination for a few days worth of exploration. It’s rugged and filled with walking tracks, birds and lizards. Larger than most of the islands, it sits nearly 90 km (56 miles) offshore and does, as its name suggests, protect the inner islands from weather. The eastern side catches the weather and wind and is pounded by the ocean; the western coast is more pleasant and tranquil and it’s there you’ll find yachts anchored and beaches to play on. The island was named by Captain James Cook, but prior to his arrival it was inhabited by Maori of the Ngatiwai and Ngatimaru tribes. It was later used as a whaling center and became, like Waiheke, a haven for those seeking an out-of-the-ordinary lifestyle in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, about 1,200 people live on the island. There is no electricity, other than private generators, and no bank. There is, however, accommodation at all levels.
Most visitors to the island spend their time kayaking, walking, cycling, surfing, scuba diving or just lazing on the beach – not a bad option in the bunch. The main settlement (a few houses, a cardphone, the school and accommodation) is in Tryphena, where the ferries arrive.
Last updated November 25, 2007
Posted in New Zealand | Auckland
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