Must Visit Islands of North Island, New Zealand

Updated on Jul 16, 2024 | New Zealand eTA

If you wish to know the tales and explore the alternative islands in New Zealands North Island, you must take a glimpse at the list we have prepared to make your island-hopping adventure a bit easier. These beautiful islands will provide you with breathtaking scenery and memories to cherish for a lifetime.

New Zealand, a small island country located in the south-western Pacific Ocean, is known for its history, culture landscapes and adventure. This ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ consists of two mainland islands – the South Island and the North Island. The North Island offers more urban based adventures and consists of big cities like Auckland and is home to white sand beaches, volcanoes, and hot springs. Wellington, the capital of New Zealand is situated on the North Island and offers a powerful mix of culture, history, nature, and cuisine.

The South Island with its snow-capped mountain ranges and giant glaciers is an adventure capital where heli hiking and bungee jumping take the spotlight. If you are a ‘Lord of the Rings’ fan, then you should head to New Zealand because an opportunity to stay in the Hobbit’s village might be awaiting you. However, it’s not just the North and South Islands, there are around 600 islands dotted around the coastline of New Zealand waiting to be explored by travel enthusiasts, each promising an unforgettable experience.

Some of the islands might be easier for travelers to access than others, but all of them have their own unique charm and magnificent landscape to boast of. Although there may be around 600 islands, only around a dozen of these islands are populated while other islands are predominantly home to the country’s native wildlife. Some of these islands are wildlife sanctuaries, some offer amazing diving opportunities, some are a paradise for walkers and some are covered in stark lava fields. If you enjoy bird watching, then exploring these islands would be an exciting adventure for you. Each island has a story to tell and you will be able to find an island that suits your tastes.

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Waiheke Island

After the North and South Islands, Waiheke is the third most populated island in New Zealand with over 8000 people regarding Waiheke Island as home. Located in the Hauraki Gulf, just about a 40 minute ferry ride from Downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island is one of the largest and popular islands among travelers. The bohemian vibe of the island makes it seem a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the big city life, in terms of landscape, lifestyle and experience. The island has something to cater to the interest of everyone, from the magnificent vineyards to the pristine beaches and fantastic walking tracks making it the ‘jewel in the Hauraki Gulf crown’. Waiheke is home to more than 30 boutique vineyards making it New Zealand’s island of wine. The island’s easy-to-use bus system and bike or car rental options makes it easier for the visitors to explore the island and specially assists you on your tasting mission at numerous wineries dotted across the island. If you wish to take a break from wine tasting, you can relax at the most beautiful beaches such as Oneroa, located in the main village, Onetangi, the longest stretch of white sand and Palm Beach, which are perfect for swimming, kayaking or having a picnic. If you love long walks, Waiheke offers a number of bush tracks, and scenic coastal walks for you to explore the island’s trails.

During summer and Christmas season, the beach comes to life as the beach side holiday homes fill up with festive visitors. Oneroa, Ostend and Surfdale are shopping destinations with unique stores for jewelry, clothing, etc. The art community in Waiheke is quite popular so you can visit some of the galleries and can also pick souvenirs for your friends and family from local craft stores. For an indulgent culinary experience, you can taste the fantastic local cuisine at The Oyster Inn or Charlie Farley’s and also sample fresh-pressed olive oils. You have already started imagining yourself exploring the stunning vineyards and exotic beaches, right? You don’t want to miss out on the breathtaking coastal headlands, olive groves and seaside villages this picturesque destination has to offer!

Rangitoto Island

Auckland’s most iconic natural landmarks, Rangitoto Island, situated in the middle of Auckland’s harbor, is a volcanic island that emerged out of the sea in a series of dramatic explosions around 600 years ago. Located around 8 kms southeast of central Auckland in the Hauraki Gulf, it is seen from almost every vantage point in the city. Even though the aftermath of a volcanic eruption is reflected in the appearance of the island, the little speckles of greenery and wildlife amid the rough lava fields makes a remarkable sight, making it the most photographed island in the country. It is a 25 minute ferry ride from Downtown Auckland and mesmerizes the visitors with lava fields, lava caves, a crater, wildlife and stunning view of the Hauraki Gulf. It is a favorite spot for those who are interested in adventure activities such as hiking and indulging in water sports. The island’s most popular activities include sea kayaking, fishing, bird watching and walking up Rangitoto’s summit.

There are heaps of walking tracks on the island including the highly recommended hike to the summit winding through lava fields and native Pohutukawa forest, the largest its kind in the world, to the peak where you can experience great panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf from 259 meters above sea level. There are informative signs along the way to educate the visitors about the island’s past volcanic activity and human history. Visitors can explore some great lava caves and over 250 species of native plants and trees but you must remember to carry a torch with you. Due to the absence of shops on this island, it is better to pack your own food and water. If you wish to visit an island which has been created by nature just a few centuries ago, you must plan a visit to Rangitoto Island.

Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island, also known as Aotea in Maori, is one of the largest islands in the Hauraki Gulf with a small population. Located at 90 kms from Auckland city, a four and a half hour cruise from Auckland or a scenic 30 minute flight from Auckland will transport you to this remote, rugged paradise. This jewel of the Hauraki Gulf is home to golden sand beaches, tranquil hot springs, rugged peaks, thick forest and a variety of wildlife. The presence of the epic Mount Hobson, a peak that reaches 627m offers an astonishing sight for the visitors. The eastern shore of the island features high cliffs and breathtaking white surf beaches while the western side is popular for its deep sheltered harbors and serene, sandy bays. Native forestry is a major asset of the island which is left as wild as possible, with several walking tracks lacing through the hilly, forested interior of the island making it a hiker’s paradise. A majority of the island has been named a Conservation Park and these wilderness areas, foreshores are home to several unique plant and bird species. People visit and live on the Great Barrier Island to connect with nature and indulge in locally produced food, health and beauty products derived from flora on the island. Activities such as bird watching, snorkeling will allow you to discover the island’s native wildlife.

With the lack of electricity, except for generators and solar power , and limited phone or internet connection, the island feels like a different world altogether. You can also enjoy this mini digital detox by indulging in activities such as hiking, fishing, horse riding, kayaking, surfing, diving and much more. The island is a Dark Sky Sanctuary and is known for its incredibly clear night skies which makes it a perfect location for stargazing. If you wish to be rewarded with a quintessential kiwi adventure and explore rugged, untouched wilderness, you know where to head!

Matakana Island

Matakana Island, located in the western Bay of Plenty in the North Island, is a 24-kilometer long thin stretch of land that creates a protective barrier between Tauranga Harbour in the Bay of Plenty and the Pacific Ocean. Also known as the Jewel of Bay, Matakana Island is renowned for its unique geology, history of the region and the varied biodiversity with more than 100 species of indigenous plant species and native creatures and birds. It is also home to lots of interesting aquatic animals like dolphins, whales, sharks, fishes like kingfish, kahawai, etc. The island is only accessible by private boat from Tauranga and Mount Maunganui or the cool Kewpie boat. The island has been continuously populated for centuries by Maori tribes who speak Maori, which indicates a strong connection with cultural values and practices. The island is a blend of different landscapes – white sand surf beach, pine forest, sheltered orchard farmland on the inner harbor and forest covered coastal land exposed to the Pacific Ocean side. The inner harbor side of the island consists of mostly fertile, horticultural land used for dairy farming. This privately owned island is laced with secluded white-sand surf beaches on its eastern shore which are known for being nesting location for a large number of seabirds, including endangered New Zealand dotterel. The largest coastal island in the Bay of Plenty, Matakana Island is definitely a slice of paradise one must not miss out on!

Matakana Island

Kawau Island

Kawau Island, situated about 45 km north of Auckland is one of the largest islands in the Hauraki Gulf, close to the north eastern coast of the North Island. The island has remained largely private in terms of ownership as politician Sir George Grey, former Governor of New Zealand, bought it as a private residence, however, around 10% is owned by the Department of Conservation. The island has a small population of approximately 80 permanent residents which swells to hundreds during weekends and festive season. This historically significant island features an astonishing Victorian-era house called the Mansion House which displays the artifacts collected by Sir George Grey during his extensive travels. Mansion House is surrounded by tropical gardens which offer a pleasant experience for the visitors due to the presence of exotic plants, wallabies, and peacocks. With wonderful walking tracks from Mansion House Bay, large expansive grounds and a beautiful bay for swimming, Kawau Island can be considered as a perfect spot for an outing with family and friends.

Kawau Island is a unique community, set off from the mainland due to the absence of connecting road, ring fenced by water and barely any hint of the ordinary suburban infrastructure and amenities. The islanders are diligent custodians of the environment who take pride in their deep ecological commitment and mindfulness regarding the challenges of minimal infrastructure while keeping the adventurous spirit of sea alive. The crystal-clear waters of Kawau is a paradise for fishers and sailors. There are several native birds such as Fantail, Kingfisher, Grey Warbles and many other sea birds. If you are a water lover, you can cruise though crystal clear waters to explore the island’s beauty, visit historical landmarks and discover a slice of 19th century history.

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