Consisting of 47 islands in the Hauraki Gulf, this park is divided into inner islands (recreation) and outer islands (nature reserves). Several can be visited as day trips from Auckland.
Kawau, site of the mansion of early governor Sir George Gray, has pleasant walks. You can get there via ferry from
Sandspit (28 mi/45 km north of Auckland).
Motutapu has pleasant meadows dotted with grazing sheep, and Rangitoto offers great walks of three to five hours, as well as secluded beaches in the shadow of a volcanic peak more than 800 ft/240 m high. You can take a tractor-train part way up the summit, which still has remnants of World War II fortifications. Rangitoto and Motutapu, linked by a bridge, can be reached by ferry from downtown Auckland.
Waiheke Island is popular for its outdoor leisure activities, unspoiled beaches, numerous vineyards that offer tastings and meals, handmade crafts, and local produce. Waiheke also has some wonderful walking tracks and a self-guided art trail—pick up a brochure at the ferry terminal. It also has a small museum and World War II gun emplacements. Waiheke can be reached by QuickCat passenger ferry from downtown Auckland or a short flight. Car ferries operate out of Half Moon Bay.
Great Barrier Island is in the outer gulf and offers a more remote hideaway destination where visitors won't have a problem getting away from it all. Flights depart from Auckland airport daily and take 35 minutes. You can hire a car, stay at a lodge, hike in native bush, swim off deserted beaches, dive and go fishing in this lovely bit of lost paradise.
The little island of Motuihe, also a short boat trip from Auckland, is known for swimming beaches, boating and walking. 20 mi/35 km east of Auckland.
