Auckland Hauraki Gulf – Guide for Backpackers

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Rangitoto Island

Auckland’s youngest volcano at 600 years old is a bit of an adventure squeezed into a day trip.

Adventure #1: you can’t miss the last ferry, which can be as early as 3.30pm on weekdays in the off-peak season, or else you will have to survive the island overnight!

Adventure #2: scramble through the lava caves (make sure to bring a torch or use your phone’s light).

Adventure #3: walk among black volcanic rock on the way to the summit.

Adventure #4: feast your eyes on the huge volcanic crater and over to the Auckland City skyline. Then use the summit track to get a 360 view of the surrounding islands.

All adventures aside, Rangitoto Island is a protected island with no predators, hence the chorus of native New Zealand birds perhaps like nothing you have heard before if this is your first time outside of Auckland City.

Keep in mind that there are no shops on Rangitoto, so bring your own food and water.

Although the tracks are well maintained, the jagged volcanic rock requires some decent sneakers or walking shoes.

For a full guide to Rangitoto, check out Guide to Rangitoto Island and Motutapu Island.

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Waiheke Island

In contrast to Rangitoto, there is the populated Waiheke Island. With beautiful homes overlooking the beach and their anchored sailing boats, it is evident that the rich and mighty have called this paradise home.

We’re not jealous… For us backpackers, Waiheke is paradise day trip or overnight stay with some reasonably priced backpacker accommodation. Plus, there is more than plenty to do.

Getting Around Waiheke Island

There are some fun (and challenging) ways to get around the island. Depending on fitness level, hiring a bike is a popular option with lots of uphill climbs and downhill fun! Alternatively, there are scooter hires, car hires, horse riding, or you could take the bus. Sea kayaking gives a different perspective of the island. Make sure to book in advance. Of course, don’t underestimate the power of the legs! There are some coastal tracks capturing amazing views. We especially like the Cross Island Walkway, which is a steep forest walk from one coast to another. Start from Onetangi Beach.

Beaches and Vineyards in Waiheke Island

Whether you’re cycling, walking or getting stuffy on the bus, a good way to cool off is by taking a swim the clear refreshing water. Oneroa, Little Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi are great beaches for relaxing and swimming.

With 18 vineyards, you can make a ‘vineyard crawl’ out of your journey around the island. Waiheke Island provides the hot dry summers and stony soils to produce excellent award-winning wines.

Get the full Waiheke Island story here: Waiheke Island – Guide for Backpackers.

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Great Barrier Island

Further over yonder is Great Barrier Island. Treat yourself to diving in the most diverse underwater worlds in the Hauraki Gulf. For warmer water activities, bathe in the free natural thermal pools of Kaitoke. There is parking just offWhangaparapara Road for the hot pools.

Considering how you are going to travel around Great Barrier Island is important because there is so much to see. The east coast has beautiful stretches of beach and the west has sheltered rocky beaches. Biking on Great Barrier Island offers something for different fitness levels and is a quick way of seeing the island, as does car hire! You can hire a kayak independently or with a guide to explore off the coast.

Get to Great Barrier Island by the 2-hour ferry in the peak season or 4h30min in the off-peak season, priced at around NZ$90. Alternatively, a 30min flight from Auckland domestic terminal is around NZ$140. Due to the length of time it takes to get to the island, it is worth checking out the backpacker accommodation on the island. Find out more about how to get to the island in Public Transport in Auckland.

Check out Great Barrier Island – Guide for Backpackers for more things to do.

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Best of the Rest

There are many more islands to see in Hauraki Gulf. They are more off the beaten track simply because ferries are not as frequent or you have to take a boat cruise to get there.

Motuihe and Motutapu both have ferries from the Auckland ferry terminal, in fact, Motutapu is connected to Rangitoto Island. They are steeped in World War 1 and World War 2 history. Motuihe held prisoners and a naval base and Matutapu still has WW2 ex-military barracks. Nowadays, people enjoy their beaches, volunteer for conservation, and camp on the islands. Check out more about the campsites on Where to Camp in Auckland.

Protected wildlife and native bush can be found on Tiritiri Matangi, Browns Island, Little Barrier Island and Kawau Island. Especially on Tiritiri Matangi, there is a wildlife sanctuary for tuatara, little blue penguin during the breeding and moulting seasons, takahe, and more.

Ferries have just started going to Rotorua Island. This used to be off-limits except for those using the drug and rehabilitation centre in the care of the Salvation Army. Today, you can take the walking trails, go to the four beaches, and visit the museum to learn about this intriguing island’s past.