Rangitoto is the largest (5.5 km wide), youngest and one of the least modified of about 50 volcanic cones and craters in the Auckland volcanic field, situated in the Hauraki Gulf. It erupted from the sea in a series of dramatic explosions around 600 years ago, and is now extinct. It dominates the local seascape and a visit there is like stepping into another world. Rangitoto Island is pest-free.
The island is a public reserve jointly managed by the Department of Conservation and the Tāmaki Collective / Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau.

One and a half hour's drive north of Auckland, the Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve is suitable for day trips. A glass bottom boat operates from the main beach of the marine reserve. Camping grounds at Goat Island, Pakiri and Whangateau can cater for school groups overnight, as can the Te Kiri Marae.Facilities in the car park area include visitor information displays, toilets, an outdoor cold shower and changing rooms, but drinking water is not available. In the Leigh township, there is a general store, petrol station, cafes and takeaway food outlets. Established in 1975, it is New Zealand's first marine reserve, and protects 547 hectares of shore and sea just north of Leigh. Safe from fishing and other disturbance, marine life flourishes in the reserve and its waters now teem with blue maomao, snapper and other species.
Ngati Manuhiri, the local Maori tribe and traditional guardian of this area, support kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of Motu Hawere (Goat Island).Ngati Manuhiri claim manawhenua and manamoana (customary rights) over this area and exercise kaitiakitanga in the protection of wahitapu (sacred places) and food gathering places traditionally handed down from ancestors as toanga tuku iho (treasures). Motu Hawere is important to the history of Ngati Manuhiri and in particular to direct descendents of Ngati Manuhiri. They, along with other Ngati Wai tribes claim direct lines of descent from Manaia, the people who came from the legendary ancestral land of Hawaiki, 52 generations ago. Motu Hawere was occupied following the landfall by the Moekakara canoe, captained by Tahuhunuiarangi. He was a great grandson of the first Manaia and commander of the waka and claimed the district from Te Arai to Tawharanui. His people were numerous and became known as Ngaitahuhu, and were absorbed by the Ngati Manuhiri people who live in the area today.

Far from the madding crowd, Stewart Island (one of our Must-Do's this Kiwi Summer) is a serene ecological wonderland spiced with the promise of adventure. Its attractions include kiwi-spotting, birdwatching, scenic cruises and flights, and walking – Stewart Island is a walker’s paradise, with various types of tracks available to suit all ages and fitness levels. Access to the island is by plane from Invercargill across the Foveaux Strait or by ferry or helicopter from Bluff.

Have you ever imagined yourself walking on a live volcano? You can do this on New Zealand’s only active marine volcano, White Island (Whakaari). You’ll feel as though you have entered a whole new world, with craters, sheer cliff faces, tunnels and steam rising around you. Located 48km off the coast of Whakatane, the island is accessed by taking one of the White Island tours available.

If escaping to an island for a weekend of good food, fine wine and unbeatable views sounds like you, then Waiheke should be your first choice. Explore this isle of boutique vineyards, gorgeous beaches, olive groves, cafés and famous restaurants. You can also get your adrenalin fix on a flying fox zipline ride here. This island paradise is easily accessible, being only a 30-minute ferry ride from Auckland City.

Great Barrier Island is a superb mix of contrasts with panoramic views, rugged beaches, secluded coves, intimate bushwalks and bush-lined hot pools. A drive along the east coast reveals sweeping white beaches, while the western beaches are rocky and sheltered. The largest of the islands lying off the North Island coast, this getaway, 90km from Auckland, is known for its rugged beauty.

Kapiti Island is an internationally renowned bird, wildlife, forest and marine sanctuary. The island is home to endangered native species of birds including takahe, kokako, the little spotted kiwi and kakariki. Visitor numbers to the island are restricted and permits are required from DOC (Department of Conservation), so ensure you book in advance. Access is via a ferry ride departing from the boat club at Paraparaumu Beach. Overnight stays are available at the Kapiti Nature Lodge when you take a Kapiti Island Nature Tour.

This beautiful island is one of the gems of the Hauraki Gulf. It’s accessible from Sandspit, 10 minutes from Warkworth, where you can board a water taxi or ferry to transport you to the island. While you’re here, explore Mansion House, the stately home with exotic gardens that was developed by Sir George Grey, the first governor of New Zealand. You can also enjoy the impressive native flora and take one of the many walks. Accommodation is available.

Although permission is required to access Tuhua, unless you take an approved guided tour, this exquisite island is worth the effort. The gorgeous beaches and green and black crater lakes (the island is in fact a collapsed volcano) provide stunning scenery. Below the surface of the surrounding waters the sights are equally brilliant, with a marine reserve providing great diving.

With more than 144 islands to explore, the Bay of Islands is a favourite aquatic playground for holidaymakers and yachties from around the world. The secluded bays and sandy beaches of many of the islands are open to the public; their warm waters, lush vegetation and the incredible scenery offer plenty of opportunity for fun, adventure and relaxation. Marine life is abundant in the area, with dolphins regularly spotted and sometimes whales and penguins.

A pest-free paradise at the outer edges of the unspoilt Marlborough Sounds, D’Urville Island is a place where you can really get away from it all. It has almost 6,000ha of public conservation land covering a portion of the island – an ideal setting for hiking. The birdlife on the island is spectacular, with tui, kaka, weka, bellbirds and native robins featuring. The island can be accessed by chartered boat or aircraft, and fishing charters and accommodation are available.