Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park
For a pleasant day's outing, explore Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, just off Auckland's eastern coast. The park encompasses all or part of several dozen scattered islands, from the Poor Knights Islands northeast of Whangarei to the Aldermen Islands off the southern part of the Coromandel Peninsula.
On several islands, vacationers can enjoy walks swimming, boating, and deep sea fishing. Other islands: inhabited only by wildlife, are remote and hard to reach .
Blue Boat launches leave Auckland's waterfront on scheduled trips to several of the larger islands, including Rangitoto, Motutapu, and Motuihe; ferry service also links Auckland with Waiheke Island. Day cruises depart from the city waterfront for Pakatoa Island. North of
Auckland, a ferry departs for Kawau Island daily at 10:30 A.M. from Sandspit, east of Warkworth. During peak holiday periods, additional cruises are available. For a longer trip, consider chartering a yacht.
Amphibian planes take off from Mechanics Bay in Auckland on regular flightseeing and charter trips.
Accommodations are available on Pakatoa, Waiheke,
and Great Barrier islands. For more information about park activities, contact the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park Board, P.O. Box 5249, Auckland 1 (phone Auckland 771 899).
Rangitoto Island. A landmark of Waiternata Harbour, Rangitoto's sloping cone stands sharply against the sky. A favorite picnic spot, the island is a short 40 minute launch trip from the city. A bus meets the boat and takes passengers on a tour. You'll find a tearoom and swimming pool at the wharf and a store and sandy beach at Islington Bay, near the causeway to Motutapu Island.
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One of the few peaks not fortified by the Maoris, Rangitoto has little soil and no permanent source of water; yet vegetation thrives in apparently barren conditions. Walkers can stroll from the wharf to Wilson's Park, Flax Point Bridge, and McKenzie Bay. It's a steep 4 km/21/2 mile climb to the summit, where you have unsurpassed views of the gulf and city.
Motutapu Island. Linked to Rangitoto by a causeway, this island is farmed by the Department of Lands and Survey. A walkway crosses the farm.
Motuihe Island. Less than an hour from Auckland by boat, Motuihe is a popular day outing. Sheltered picnic grounds, safe sandy beaches, and walking trails abound.
Waiheke Island. Largest of the islands, Waiheke is dotled with small farms. Its lovely bays and beaches attract boaters and anglers. Hotel and motel accommodations are available on the island, accessible by launch or amphibian plane.
Pakatoa Island. Reached by launch from Auckland, Pakatoa has been developed into a resort, open from August through June. The island's beaches and fine views are popular with honeymooners.
Great Barrier Island. Largest of the offshore islands, Great Barrier has a rugged coastline bordered with pohutukawa trees. Deep sea fishing is a big attraction, with hapuka, kingfish, and snapper the major catches. Guest houses are located at some of the bays. Access is by chartered launch or amphibian plane.
Kawau Island.  A summer haven for yachters, Kawau fascinates naturalists and those with a yen for history. A ranger is stationed at Two House Bay (phone Kawau 892).
In 1862, Sir George Grey, an early governor of New Zealand, purchased the island and built his home here. He transformed Kawau into a subtropical paradise of imported trees, plants, and animals. Governor Grey's Mansion House has been restored, and visitors see the house and gardens much as they were in Grey's time. Mansion House is open daily from 9:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.m. (3 P.m. on Friday). Wallabies and kookaburras still inhabit the bush. Cottages and mineshafts date from the 1830s and 40s, when copper and manganese were mined here.
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