Hauraki Gulf Islands

New Zealand

New Zealand Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
The Sky Tower in the centre of the buildings of Auckland's CBD, taken after sunset.

Why visit Hauraki Gulf Islands

Stretching between Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula, the Hauraki Gulf is dotted with motu (islands), and is as equally stunning as Northland's Bay of Islands. Some islands are only minutes from the city and make excellent day trips. Wine-soaked Waiheke and volcanic Rangitoto really shouldn’t be missed. Great Barrier requires more effort (and cash) to get to, but provides an idyllic escape from modern life.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of Hauraki Gulf Islands? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your New Zealand trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Ultimate New Zealand: Cross-Country Adventure in 13 Days

13 days / 12 nights

highlights

  1. 1 Soaring over Rotorua's thermal lakes and geothermal gems on an electrifying floatplane
  2. 2 Whale watching and fur seal-spotting from up above on a Kaikōura sightseeing flight
  3. 3 Inhabiting the fantastical fiction of Middle Earth with a Hobbiton set visit
from $5,940

per person

book this trip see trip details

Explore more trips

  • New Zealand's North Island: 11 Days in Auckland and Rotorua
    New Zealand

    11 days / 10 nights

    New Zealand's North Island: 11 Days in Auckland and Rotorua

    FROM $6,500

    per person

    See Trip Details
  • New Zealand: 11 Days in Stargazing in Wairarapa
    New Zealand

    11 days / 10 nights

    New Zealand: 11 Days in Stargazing in Wairarapa

    FROM $6,500

    per person

    See Trip Details
Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Top places to visit in Hauraki Gulf Islands

Discover the best attractions in Hauraki Gulf Islands from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Explore all

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Hauraki Gulf Islands

Hauraki Gulf Islands and beyond

View all