Motukorea Browns Island - owned by Auckland Council.
Aotea Conservation Park has the only multi-day wilderness walk in the Auckland region, boasting two DOC huts and numerous campsites.
Step back in time on a day trip to Kawau Island, where Sir George Grey, created a ‘gentlemen’s estate’. Visit Grey’s historic Mansion House and gardens, and walk easy tracks featuring Māori and colonial copper mining heritage sites.
Te Hauturu-o-Toi can only be visited with a permit.
The pest-free Mokohīnau Islands lie 100 km north-east of Auckland. The islands are home to skink and muttonbird populations. Recreational activities include walking and diving.
Crystal clear swimming, white sandy beaches, and a variety of native bush walks with the opportunity to see tuatara in the wild – this pest-free island has something for everyone.
Come to pest-free Motuora for a picnic, or camp for the night. It's possible to hear and sometimes see (at night) North Island brown kiwi here.
Emerging from the sea just 600 years ago, pest-free Rangitoto Island is the youngest volcano in New Zealand. An Auckland icon and deeply enriched with history, it's long been a favourite day trip for walkers, and a much loved boating destination.
Tiritiri Matangi is rich in Māori and European history with one of the most successful community-lead conservation projects in the world.
A popular day trip destination for families, with good boating, swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
Apply for a permit
Event permit: There are many great places managed by DOC in the Hauraki Gulf to hold events such as weddings, club functions or family events. Apply for an event permit
Wharf use permit: Operators of all commercial vessels 'plying for hire' in the Hauraki Gulf need to obtain permission to use any wharf administered by DOC. Apply for a wharf use permit
You must have a landing permit to land on these island nature reserves:
- Mokohinau Islands (all except Burgess Island)
- Little Barrier Island/Hauturu
- Cuvier Island
- Mercury Islands (all except Great Mercury Island)
- Alderman Islands
- Whangamata Islands
Pest free islands
You can visit many of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Many of these islands had pest animals removed and are sanctuaries for native wildlife.
Pest free islands include: Beehive Island/Taungamaro, Broken Islands (Pig Islands), Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island, Kaikoura Island (Selwyn Island), Mokohinau Islands, Motuhaku Island, Motuihe Island/Te Motu-a-Ihenga, Motuora Island, Pakatoa, Rakino Island, Rangitoto Island and Motutapu Island, Rotoroa, Tarakihi (east of Waiheke), Te Haupa Island (Saddle Island), The Noises and Tiritiri Matangi Island.