Explore the hidden gems you can only get to in your own boat
With 200 islands in the Hauraki Gulf alone, the possibilities are literally endless. There is everything from 47 pest-free islands offering prolific native bird life, to winery tours and art walks, the opportunity to climb a dormant volcano, snorkel a wreck, visit a museum, or try some wharf jumping. Auckland, "The City of Sails", has one of the worlds largest cruising grounds on it's doorstep. With anchorages being in easy sailing distance it's easy to get around and easy to explore. Here are just a few of them.
Rangitoto
Rangitoto, with it's iconic cone, is the backdrop to Auckland's sailing grounds. It is the closest island to Auckland City, and Islington (Izzy) Bay, the main anchorage, is only about 8 miles from our berth and a great choice for a first stop.
It has quaint historic baches that are still used today, and a climb to the summit will reward you with magnificent views of the city and the Hauraki Gulf.
Waiheke
Boasting around 30 boutique wineries, and countless safe, sandy swimming beaches, you could spend all your time on Waiheke alone. Oneroa, the main township, has an interesting selection of boutique shops and a beach-side pizza truck. There are gems really only accessible by boat as well, like Hooks Bay, and Stony Batter on the eastern end of the island, home to a WWII defence system with an assortment of tunnels, chambers and gun emplacements.
Kawau
Between the copper mine, Governor Sir George Grey's house with it's exotic trees and gardens (and peacocks), the tiny cemetery, 'the best little boat club in the world', and the best wharf in the gulf to jump off, it's well worth taking the time to explore Kawau. Bon Accord Harbour is one of the safest anchorages in the gulf, and there are others like Vivian Bay and Bostequet Bay with beautiful beaches and clear water.
Moturekareka
A personal favourite of ours is the island with the wreck. It has the remains of the steel sailing ship the 'Rewa', which you can snorkel at all states of the tide. There's also a short walk across the island that give you a great vantage point to look down on the wreck.
Nearby is the cute Beehive Island, which can look like a cartoon island with it's white shell-covered beaches and small stand of trees.
Tiritiri Matangi
Administered by the Department of Conservation as a scientific reserve, Tiri is unarguably the best island to experience birdlife. Tui, Takahe, Kereru, and Saddlebacks are all plentiful and to sit amongst the birds at one of the cleaning stations on the tracks is a treat.
There's also one of the oldest accessible lighthouses in New Zealand.
Tiri is best as a daytime anchorage as it is exposed from most angles, but absolutely worth adding to any gulf itinerary.
