Hauraki Gulf
Hauraki Gulf
5
About
This area comprises 47 islands, the most popular of which is Waiheke for its excellent beaches and bays.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Hauraki Gulf
The area
Reach out directly
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
365 reviews
Excellent
290
Very good
68
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Perry B
Sydney, Australia2,578 contributions
Jan 2020
We took a ferry across to Waiheke for the first time in absolute ages last January and were absolutely stunned once again with the beauty of the Hauraki Gulf. The natural surroundings here are peerless. Of course, we profited from a balmy summer's day with limpid blue seas with nary a cloud in the sky. However, each season presents its own special charm. The Gulf is a perennial attraction.
Written 22 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TURNERO
Napier, New Zealand42 contributions
Nov 2019
Amazing place to have a holiday. Lots to see and do. If you have you own boat there is lots of amazing places to see and explore. Good ferry services run from Auckland to access most places on regular time table which makes it easy to get around.
Written 26 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hinemoa-auckland
Auckland, New Zealand193 contributions
Dec 2012 • Family
if you are visiting Auckland you must visit the gulf. This is the best of Auckland. Viewing the city from the water gives it a whole new perspective. Go fishing. Go to Waiheke, Rangitoto, Tiritiri Matangi, Devonport. Even if you only have half a day get down to the wharf at down town and just jump on the Devonport ferry for a fresh perspective on the city and surroundings. I am biased living on Waiheke. But, hey what's not to love, the vineyards, the cycle paths, the beaches, people watching at one of the many cafes around the island. It's beautiful even when the weather is a bit iffy!
Written 9 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
platypus150
Melbourne, Australia32,423 contributions
Nov 2014 • Solo
I loved the tours to Tiri Tiri Matangi and Rangitoto Islands. I also made use of the short local ferries to Birkenhead and Devonport. These are scenic suburbs away from the bustle and noise of the city centre. If you buy a Zone A and B Auckland Transport Day Pass at Britomart station, it is good for a huge area and covers the local ferries as well as trains and buses. At $16 a day for everything it compared well with a return ticket on the ferry to Devonport ($11.50)
Written 30 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
azulferro
Bethlehem, PA33 contributions
Feb 2013 • Friends
We had read so many glowing reports about Waikehe Island so included it in our itinerary but were very disappointed!
The best part of our day was the three hours spent on a 50 foot sailboat, the Pride of Auckland, sailing from Auckland to Waikehe Island. We purchased an offer we saw on GrabOne = $42.00 per person for sailing over and Fuller Ferry back. This cost was just a few dollars more than a round trip on Fullers ferry and what could be more appropriate than sailing in the "City of Sails"?
Sailing past various islands in the Hauraki Gulf was fun and upon arrival at Matiatia Wharf on Waikehe, we walked to Oneroa Village. This was our first disappointment.The village is grubby, dingy, dirty and run down and has horrendous shops -- one worse than another! They certainly do not compare to those we saw in Akaroa on Banks Peninsula. We then took a bus to Onetangi. Another disappointment. Yes, it has a sandy beach but nothing special and we have seen many better than this one in other parts of New Zealand. We then went to Stonyridge Vineyards and were totally unimpressed. We had traveled through Marlborough and this vineyard did not compare with those we visited there; but not wishing to give up, we went to Cable Bay Vineyards and once again were disappointed. While traveling from one venue to another we did indeed see lovely bays with lovely views but once again, not more spectular than many we have seen in other places in New Zealand.
We came to the conclusion that Waikehe Island would be the pefect destination for a tourist to visit if their New Zealand itinerary included only Auckland; however, if you have the opportunity to see other areas of this lovely country, forget Waikehe.
The best part of our day was the three hours spent on a 50 foot sailboat, the Pride of Auckland, sailing from Auckland to Waikehe Island. We purchased an offer we saw on GrabOne = $42.00 per person for sailing over and Fuller Ferry back. This cost was just a few dollars more than a round trip on Fullers ferry and what could be more appropriate than sailing in the "City of Sails"?
Sailing past various islands in the Hauraki Gulf was fun and upon arrival at Matiatia Wharf on Waikehe, we walked to Oneroa Village. This was our first disappointment.The village is grubby, dingy, dirty and run down and has horrendous shops -- one worse than another! They certainly do not compare to those we saw in Akaroa on Banks Peninsula. We then took a bus to Onetangi. Another disappointment. Yes, it has a sandy beach but nothing special and we have seen many better than this one in other parts of New Zealand. We then went to Stonyridge Vineyards and were totally unimpressed. We had traveled through Marlborough and this vineyard did not compare with those we visited there; but not wishing to give up, we went to Cable Bay Vineyards and once again were disappointed. While traveling from one venue to another we did indeed see lovely bays with lovely views but once again, not more spectular than many we have seen in other places in New Zealand.
We came to the conclusion that Waikehe Island would be the pefect destination for a tourist to visit if their New Zealand itinerary included only Auckland; however, if you have the opportunity to see other areas of this lovely country, forget Waikehe.
Written 29 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
manuka
Mapua, New Zealand59 contributions
The Hauraki Gulf, a brilliant maritime playground for the city of Auckland. Softly lapping water, lazy days at the end of a fishing line, georgous islands, wild isolation or civilised wine tours, take your pick, you can experience it all here. Several of the islands are nature reserves and you need permission to land on them, these include Little Barrier, Mokohinau Group, Hen and Chickens and others are privately owned. Starting from the largest island, Great Barrier is appoximately 100 kms from Auckland and is one of Auckland's last wildernesses. It is a different world out on "the Barrier", and most of the permanent residents prefer it this way, no sewage system, no reticulated water or power. Great Barrier is home to stunning beaches, rugged coastal cliffs, estuaries, offshore islands and a wealth of plants, animals and fish. There is a variety of accommodation to suit every pocket from DOC campsites to 5star lodges. Things to do include bush walks, fishing, snorkelling, diving, kayaking and sailing. Kawau Island, the "jewel in the gulf" that has made and sunk fortunes, played host to royalty and drunks. It is now mostly privately owned with 10% of the island in historic, scenic and recreation reserves. Picturesque Mansion House dates back to 1862 and is open to the public. The island is a favourite overnight stop for yachties but there is also several accommodation places on the island, from 4 star lodges to self catering. Thngs to do include bush walking, fishing, sailing, diving and kayaking. Tiritiri Matangi is a must for any visitor exploring the Hauraki Gulf. It is an open sanctuary and site of one of New Zealand's most successful conservation projects. Volunteers have planted thousands of native trees, transforming the island's barren pasture into dense forest. It now boasts healthy populations of some of New Zealand's rarest birds, such as stitchbirds, takahe, saddlebacks, little spotted kiwi, whiteheads, parakeets, brown teal and kakako. Access to Tiritiri Matangi can be a 15 minutes boat trip from Whangaparaoa or 1/2 hour boat trip from Kawau Island. Waiheke, the island of cascading waters, sunshine, vistas, vineyards and relaxation is only 17 miles from Auckland city by ferry and is considered a suburb of Auckland. Most of Waiheke is privately owned thought it does have great beaches, parks, safe anchorages and lots of wineries. Waiheke wines are world famous and lots of the vineyards have cellar doors open to the public, pick up a wine guide at the information centre. It's a great place for swimming, fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, mountain biking and shopping for arts and crafts. Accommodation ranges from backpackers to five star. Closer again to Auckland is Motuihe Island. Stunning is the word for this little island, gorgeous beaches, great snorkelling and fishing plus all-weather anchorages. The island is still a working farm and can be reached by private boat or ferry service. Landmark and symbol of Auckland, Rangitoto is the largest, youngest and one of the least modified of all the volcanoes in the Auckland field. This 2333 hectare, pohutukawa-cloaked island is roughly circular in shape, with gently sloping sides, leading to a classic central cone. You can reach Rangitoto by ferry, private boat, windsurfer or kayak. The walk to the top of the island is rewarded with spectacular vistas of Auckland. Wear tough shoes because the tough scoria is very unforgiving, take a picnic lunch and plenty of water because the scoria can be very hot, especially on a hot day. Leave time to have a swim in one of the lovely bays.
Written 9 July 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D N
Miami, FL548 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
On a clear day catch the 10 am Fullers ferry to Waiheke Island and start your journey with picture perfect views of downtown Auckland and the Sky Tower. A tour bus round the island, lunch at Mudbrick Winery, and return ferry complete the adventure.
Written 23 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kiwicarmel
Whangarei New Zealand42 contributions
Aug 2012 • Friends
Take a Ferry from Downtown Auckland and pay a visit to one of the many Islands of the Gulf. Waiheke with its great wineries, beautiful beaches and just a half hour ferry ride Great Barrier Island, a much longer ferry ride but what a wonderful place to visit, it seems like another world, Rangitoto that disinct volcano, walk to the top and geta great Panoramic View. Make the effort to see one of these islands while visiting Auckland
Written 31 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dianne N
Surrey, Canada68 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
Did the combined ferry ride and bus tour as that was best value. Our bus driver was very amusing and after showing us virtually all the beautiful beaches, we chose to spend time at Oneroa
Written 25 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sincas3
Sydney, Australia344 contributions
May 2012 • Solo
Visited in May 2012. The weather was nice but too cold for swimming. Wanted a day trip on the harbour and got a ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island. The free travel guides at the Airport and in the hotels usually have a 10% discount voucher for ferry fares.
Went with Fullers which ran on time. About 45 minutes each way.
Only had 2 hours to spend and you could easily spend a day or more on the Island even though its only 13km long.
I chose to hire a scooter/moped for the first time and cruise around the island. This was brilliant. I loved the scooter ride and it was a fun way to zip around the island at $15 hr.
The car rental options were also pretty cheap and present a good option if you don't take buses, mountain bikes or go on a guided tour.
There were plenty of things to do and see on the island. I didn't have time to do any of them and would definitely go back at some point. Summer would be great with plenty of beaches to swim in. Wine tours looked good.
I chose to ride around and get some scenery photos before heading back on the ferry.
The ferry ride itself is also good. It shows you the city landscape and is a nice ride.
Went with Fullers which ran on time. About 45 minutes each way.
Only had 2 hours to spend and you could easily spend a day or more on the Island even though its only 13km long.
I chose to hire a scooter/moped for the first time and cruise around the island. This was brilliant. I loved the scooter ride and it was a fun way to zip around the island at $15 hr.
The car rental options were also pretty cheap and present a good option if you don't take buses, mountain bikes or go on a guided tour.
There were plenty of things to do and see on the island. I didn't have time to do any of them and would definitely go back at some point. Summer would be great with plenty of beaches to swim in. Wine tours looked good.
I chose to ride around and get some scenery photos before heading back on the ferry.
The ferry ride itself is also good. It shows you the city landscape and is a nice ride.
Written 13 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing