1 / 3Rotoroa Island Wildlife Sanctuary
📍 Auckland
Predator-free Hauraki Gulf island sanctuary, an hour from Auckland by ferry. Takahe and tieke roam freely. Pristine beaches, coastal forest tracks, heritage buildings, and museum exhibits. Overnight stays available. Free entry.
What a cool place to spend a weekend. We stayed in Mahoe which was so well set up. Very clean and comfortable with everything you need. Staying for the weekend makes you feel like you have the island all to yourself. The beaches are beautiful. Takahe wandering around and tieke in abundance. Doing a great job with conservation. Recommend Auckland Sea Shuttles for a group. Steve is safe and reliable. Thanks for a lovely weekend.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Staying overnight turns this from an excursion into something closer to a private island experience — Justine's group of three families over new year described it as feeling like a postcard. Takahe wandering past the accommodation at breakfast is a proper wildlife moment.
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💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →127 Google reviews
Kushla Currie
11 months ago
“What a cool place to spend a weekend. We stayed in Mahoe which was so well set up. Very clean and comfortable with everything you need. Staying for the weekend makes you feel like you have the island all to yourself. The beaches are beautiful. Takahe wandering around and tieke in abundance. Doing a great job with conservation. Recommend Auckland Sea Shuttles for a group. Steve is safe and reliable. Thanks for a lovely weekend.”
Jessica rose
4 months ago
“Absolutely stunning and in the 'hidden gem' category of things to do in Auckland City. I'm definitely coming back and want to do so with friends and family. The trip is worth the cost of the ferry, although I totally recommend staying at least over night, rather than just trying to take a day trip. Bring your own food and bedding. Everything else you need is there. The birdlife is delightful, and so are the views.”
Justine Harvie
a year ago
“We had an amazing time at Rotoroa Island for a week over the new year period with two other families. It was like a postcard and often felt like we had our own private island. Ladies bay is stunning and protected perfectly from the SW wind. The house was so well equipped with everything we needed. Marie, Shaun (and their kids), Susie and Daniella were all wonderful hosts. We'll be back!”
Anita Tindale
a month ago
“Such an idyllic place to spend a weekend. Just a short boat ride from Auckland but it feels like you are thousands of miles away. A great place to relax and experience the beauty of New Zealand.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Rotoroa Island is a predator-free wildlife sanctuary in the Hauraki Gulf, about an hour from Auckland by ferry. Takahe wander around the accommodation, tieke fill the forest, and native species are visible throughout. Coastal and forest walking tracks, pristine sandy beaches including Ladies Bay, heritage buildings, and museum exhibits are accessible. Self-contained accommodation suits family groups. Guests bring their own food and bedding. Auckland Sea Shuttles recommended for groups.
