South Pacific
New Zealand
North Island
Auckland
Things to do in Auckland
Rotoroa Island
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Rotoroa Island

See all things to do
See all things to do
Rotoroa Island
5
#18 of 554 things to do in Auckland
Islands
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
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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, takahe, pateke and skinks. Just over an hour from downtown Auckland, 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.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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5.0
133 reviews
Excellent
121
Very good
10
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Jan S
1 contribution
Re-energised
Jun 2023 • Friends
A group of us booked out the Superintendent’s House and had a fantastic stay. We enjoyed walks, swimming, birdwatching and phosphorescence at night!

We went in June and practically had the island to ourselves. Very special.

Highly recommend!
Written 12 June 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.
Emily
San Diego, CA29 contributions
Beautiful!
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!
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.
Tāmaki Rover
29 contributions
Stunning island retreat
Mar 2023 • Solo
This is a very beautiful island with a fascinating history and a very promising future. Just 1.5hr from downtown AK by ferry, it's within easy a cess for a day trip or weekend break.
Glen & Milly run the island and do a formidable job; the tracks are well kept, the buildings are pristine and the bush and birdlife is flourishing. You.might even spot a kiwi.
Please heed biosecurity requirements, they are vital to maintain the island's ecosystem.
Written 13 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.
Cameron
Vancouver, Canada2 contributions
Comfortable island getaway just 75min ferry from Auckland
Feb 2023 • Family
Relaxed and comfortable island retreat just an hour and a half ferry ride from Auckland. Beautiful sandy beaches, scenic walks, sights and sounds of rare bird life and pleasant chirping of cicadas all around, swimming and snorkelling all right on your doorstep.

The friendly and helpful staff make you and your family feel right at home.

Accommodations are well appointed with linens, towels, beach towels, tea & coffee, kitchen ware, BBQ, books, television, wireless internet.

Highly recommended for a family getaway or with a group of friends.
Written 21 February 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.
Darragh O
Sydney, Australia113 contributions
Ideal bush walking and swimming island
Dec 2022 • Couples
Awesome island with mixture of unique history and stunning bush walks, beaches for swimming and picnic spots. Includes an informative exhibition centre about the island’s past and a small gift shop. The ferry over is worth it alone and has a cafe onboard
Written 25 December 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.
Angela B
Kia ora dazamcnaza - what wonderful feedback; thank you for taking the time to share your experience on Rotoroa Island. we hope to welcome you back soon. best wishes from the Rotoroa Island Trust team
Written 21 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Val
15 contributions
Paradise
Nov 2022 • Friends
We had the absolute pleasure of staying two nights in this amazing facility and I can certainly recommend you stay there too. Just take your food and your bedding as literally everything else is supplied. ( Well maybe not the fancy coffee machine, but who needs that!). The facilities are great. The place is very spacious and at no time did we feel crowded. The kitchen was big enough that several could prepare their food without getting in any one’s way. The views, although not huge, are stunning. The friendly staff were prompt when the gas for the bbq ran out, nothing was a bother to them. This is a very chilled, relaxed place to stay. Walks aplenty, beautiful beaches, birds, kiwis and more.
Written 25 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.
Angela B
Oldtrampers, what a wonderful account of your stay on Rotoroa Island. Thank you for taking the time to recommend our sanctuary to other travellers. We hope to welcome you back soon!
Written 21 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Comptess
1 contribution
Once in a lifetime experience
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!
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.
Angela B
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.
CynthiaCrosse
Auckland Central, New Zealand3 contributions
Stunning
Nov 2022
Stunning scenery; great accommodation - really loved the guided walk - Andrew was great - a hidden and affordable gem - will go back there for sure!
Written 22 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.
Angela B
Hello Cynthia - what a lovely review, wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed your guided walk too. We hope to welcome you back soon. best wishes from the Rotoroa Island team
Written 21 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kikki
Auckland, New Zealand350 contributions
Best island in the Gulf
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.
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.
Angela B
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.
Happiness818738
3 contributions
It’s like time stands still
Oct 2022 • Family
Spectacular slice of NZ. So beautiful. It’s like time stands still. Place to truly relax.

The bird life is surreal, amazing to listen at night to all the birds we don’t hear on the mainland.

We were a large family group of 18, kids to teens and the island suited us all.

Stayed in the super house, excellent facilities, well stocked with what was needed, great lay out. Clean, modern & loads of books to pass the time.

Exhibition centre is great, full of interesting history.

Island is well kept. Buildings are great to explore around.

Millie & Glen were brilliant. Couldn’t fault their level of customer service. Such an asset to this place.

The trust deserve a lot of recognition for their conservation efforts.

Thanks team!
Written 13 October 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.
Angela B
What a stunning review, thank you for taking time to share your experiences. Thrilled to hear your family all enjoyed their stay. A place to truly relax sums it up! We really appreciate your support. 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.
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ROTOROA ISLAND: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Rotoroa Island
Rotoroa Island is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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