Rotoroa Island
Rotoroa Island
5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Closed to the public for nearly 100 years, Rotoroa Island is now a sanctuary for wildlife and home to endangered native species including kiwi, tieke, takahē and pateke. Just over an hour from downtown Auckland by ferry, this beautiful and unique island warmly welcomes you to reconnect with nature. Come and see endangered species in their natural habitat, and learn about our ongoing efforts to protect them. Visit our award-winning museum and exhibition, and learn all about our fascinating history. Hiking, swimming, volunteering and fishing; on Rotoroa Island there's something for everyone.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- Lenny HAuckland, New Zealand920 contributionsAn absolute stunnerWhat a gorgeous island, with some beautiful bays for swimming. Stunning display of pohutukawas in December. A small walk up the hill takes you to a small cemetery. Some pretty buildings are worth exploring, too.Thanks Tabatha, we really appreciate you sharing your Rotoroa Island experience - how fabulous to see those Puhutukawa in bloom! Best wishes, from the Rotoroa Island teamWritten 30 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 January 2024
- Nigel RHamilton, New Zealand1 contributionAn absolute gem!This is such an amazing island. It has all my favourite things in one place - beautiful beaches, native bush, stunning views, an abundance of native bird-life, sparkling sea, picturesque rocky coastline for rock hopping and snorkelling, very friendly people (staff), spacious accommodation, interesting history... I had a wonderful two days here and was completely overwhelmed by it all - I absolutely loved it.Hi Nigel, Thank you for your glowing review of your Rotoroa Island stay. We're thrilled you experienced the full combination of the island's offering and hope to welcome you. back soon. Best wishes, from the Rotoroa Island Trust teamWritten 30 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 11 February 2024
- 793fional5 contributionsStunning wildlife and amazing experienceAs in previous years, our entire experience was fabulous. We stayed in Serenity House, clean, comfortable and well supplied, and just a few minutes walk from Home Bay on one side and Ladies Bay on the other. Stunning bird life and interesting talks from the rangers. Would love to bring our extended family over sometime.Hi Fiona, Thanks for this wonderful feedback - we always enjoy hosting you and hope to welcome you back to our sanctuary soon. Best wishes from the Rotoroa Island Trust teamWritten 30 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 14 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
138 reviews
Excellent
126
Very good
10
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
0
kiwijokers
Auckland, New Zealand339 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
A group of 12 of us had booked to stay.
Paid a deposit on time and kept in touch with bookings.
Then when it came time for us to go we were in lockdown and so they couldn’t take us.
We cancelled knowing this.
So they decided they’d rub salt in the wound and also charge us a cancellation fee.
This is unfair as they weren’t allowed to take us anyway.
I’ve emailed several times to dispute this but no luck.
We just think that’s pretty poor.
Paid a deposit on time and kept in touch with bookings.
Then when it came time for us to go we were in lockdown and so they couldn’t take us.
We cancelled knowing this.
So they decided they’d rub salt in the wound and also charge us a cancellation fee.
This is unfair as they weren’t allowed to take us anyway.
I’ve emailed several times to dispute this but no luck.
We just think that’s pretty poor.
Written 28 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi kiwijokers, i'm sorry to hear this was your experience. We appreciate that things can change so offer guests the chance to reschedule their booking if affected by covid. We'll take a look at what happened and come back to you directly.
Written 3 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Penne T
Auckland, New Zealand23 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
Spent a day on the island recently and walked the various tracks. There are several beaches suitable for swimming - Ladies Bay has change rooms and showers. You must take your own food as there’s nothing available there other than water. It is a beautiful place with regenerating native bush and is a conservation island with reintroduced native birds - takehe, kiwi, saddlebacks, weka, whiteheads etc. We had a great time. You buy a return ticket from Fullers and you can buy a guided tour version which will give you the recent pakeha history of the settlement. You can also stay overnight. I would recommend a visit if you like getting away from it all. A plus is you get a tour across Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf on the ferry which is always enjoyable.
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi PenneT
We're so pleased to hear you had a great visit to Rotoroa Island and enjoyed the bush tracks. Hopefully you enjoyed an autumn swim too! Thanks for taking the time to share with the tripadvisor community, with helpful tips to inspire others. We hope to welcome you back soon. Best wishes from the Rotoroa Island Trust team.
Written 12 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
niki
1 contribution
Dec 2021
Rotoroa Island is an absolutely magical island, a private paradise that is just over an hour’s wonderful boat trip from Auckland. If you are fortunate enough to be able to stay in one of the fab houses, you’ll feel you’ve been treated to an amazing, priceless and soul renewing experience. How lucky we are to have such a gem gifted by Philanthropists Neal and Annette Plowman - to give Aucklanders access to the island. New Zealand at its best!
Written 8 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your generous recount of your experience on Rotoroa, 'soul renewing' is a beautiful description. And we agree, the gift for public to access the island sanctuary is a wonderful act of philanthropy. We hope to welcome you back soon. Best wishes from the Rotoroa Island trust team
Written 3 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barb L
Dunedin, New Zealand506 contributions
Jan 2021
We spent a day exploring the island and loved it. We walked to both the North Tower and then the South Tower and the views are spectacular.
There is so much birdlife on the island, all you need to do it just stand and then it will appear, some of it quite close.
We didn't swim, however others were and it seemed like the ideal way to cool off on a hot day.
There is a fountain at the exhibition centre, that you can use to refill water bottles and their is a small kiosk that sells natural feel good icecreams on a stick, made in Nelson.
You need to take all your rubbish with you and make sure that you check with the person who welcomes you from the ferry to the island about the return time as the information on fullers was incorrect and there is only one return ferry each day.
There is so much birdlife on the island, all you need to do it just stand and then it will appear, some of it quite close.
We didn't swim, however others were and it seemed like the ideal way to cool off on a hot day.
There is a fountain at the exhibition centre, that you can use to refill water bottles and their is a small kiosk that sells natural feel good icecreams on a stick, made in Nelson.
You need to take all your rubbish with you and make sure that you check with the person who welcomes you from the ferry to the island about the return time as the information on fullers was incorrect and there is only one return ferry each day.
Written 20 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kikki
Auckland, New Zealand359 contributions
Nov 2022
This was a return visit for me. I brought the family this time to delight in the perfect beaches and the plethora of endangered and noisy birds and take in the many vistas as you walk around the islands.
The only complaint from the family was that two nights in the Holiday Home was not enough. Milly and Glen are amazing hosts: very helpful, attentive, flexible, and they keep the houses spotlessly clean and comfortable.
Love this place.
The only complaint from the family was that two nights in the Holiday Home was not enough. Milly and Glen are amazing hosts: very helpful, attentive, flexible, and they keep the houses spotlessly clean and comfortable.
Love this place.
Written 13 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Kikki, What an honour to be considered the 'best island in the gulf' - thrilled to hear you enjoyed your stay (and could have stayed longer!!) We look forward to welcome you back to our sanctuary. best wishes, Rotoroa Island Trust team
Written 21 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Comptess
1 contribution
Nov 2022
Blown away to be with so many native birds in a natural setting just an hour away from the city.
I had no idea they had weka, kiwi, takahe and saddleback there!
Accommodation was super comfortable and an excellent price.
Tour was top notch and our tour guide was super knowledgeable.
Highly recommended for all city-slickers!
I had no idea they had weka, kiwi, takahe and saddleback there!
Accommodation was super comfortable and an excellent price.
Tour was top notch and our tour guide was super knowledgeable.
Highly recommended for all city-slickers!
Written 24 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora comptess, Thank you for taking time to share your experience - thrilled to hear you enjoyed your sanctuary escape on Rotoroa Island. Best wishes, Angela and the Rotoroa Island team
Written 21 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NZAlly
Auckland, New Zealand2 contributions
Feb 2021
This was our second stay on Rotoroa Island - two nights at Oranga, this time. It was again excellent. The pick up from the ferry, by Milly the Island Custodian was very welcome. The house was immaculate (far far cleaner than my own house). Excellent facilities. The torch with red cellophane in the kitchen, and tips on where to find the night life (little kiwis) was great. Our family of four (including the 17 and 11 year olds) absolutely love staying on Rotoroa. We always love checking in with the takahe, and enjoyed seeing their chick, but the weka are also a favourite.
Written 8 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily
Vancouver, Canada31 contributions
Feb 2023
I went for a guided morning tour and it went great. You get to learn a lot of the history of the island, and it's uniqueness with respect to various plants and animals. I was lucky enough to be there during a Kiwi release as well! You do have to bring your own food, but the ferry there sells snacks.
If you do the tour, I would recommend taking the 4pm ferry back so that you have time to hike around or lounge at the beach!
If you do the tour, I would recommend taking the 4pm ferry back so that you have time to hike around or lounge at the beach!
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona L
Auckland, New Zealand4 contributions
Feb 2021
We stayed on the island as part of a swim group - O Swim - for 5 nights. Fantastic, homely accommodation, glorious island with your pick of bays around all sides. Within swimming distance of several close islands. Highlight had to be meeting Wilbur, Fyfe and Ratoroa - Dad, Mum and baby Takahe, and the singing saddlebacks as we wandered over the island trails. Booked again for next year
Written 23 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
502margo12
Auckland, New Zealand3 contributions
Jan 2022
What a treasure this island is and so close to home. Millie and Glen do a great job, the accommodation is fabulous, so clean and has everything you could want, tastefully decorated too! It’s so quiet and peaceful you can’t help relax. The bush walks are manageable and the beaches stunning. The birdlife is so interesting, and searching out kiwis in the dark definitely an experience!
Written 7 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a fabulous recount of your experience, we're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your stay - exploring the tracks and discovering the birdlife. Thank you for taking the time to share; we hope to welcome you back soon. Best, from the team on Rotoroa Island
Written 3 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi
Am headed there this Sunday and am wondering what the weather was like for you then? Try to make sure that I am geared up appropriately:) Thanks again! Paul
Written 13 August 2019
Hi Paul, Great to hear you're coming to visit! During winter months the weather is mixed, with rain and some sun, between about 9- 16 degrees celcias. We encourage all visitors to bring layers of clothing, including warm gear and a raincoat, so you can enjoy the island's fabulous walking tracks. We look forward to welcoming you to our sanctuary on Sunday. from the Rotoroa Island Trust team
Written 14 August 2019
Hola hay algu. Restaurant o lugar donde. Comprar. Comida?
Written 3 January 2019
Hola Merce, No hay restaurantes ni lugares para comprar comida en la isla. Solo agua portable. Hay que llevar tu comida! Espero que puede visitar pronto!
From Angela and the Rotoroa Island Trust team
Written 3 January 2019
How much would it cost,for a single occupancy,to stay overnight[roughly]
Written 8 October 2017
Hi Christopher, Our Superintendent's House shared hostel is $35 per person per night. We also have holiday homes which are sole occupancy and they start at $375 for 4 people per night. Full details including booking on our website. Hope we can welcome you to Rotoroa Island soon!
Written 9 October 2017
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