Rotoroa Island is in the Hauraki Gulf off Auckland, east of Waiheke Island. As well as the beautiful nature of the sanctuary, Rotoroa Island has a fascinating history. In 1911 the Salvation Army bought the island to open a rehabilitation center for alcoholics, which ran until 2005. The Rotoroa Island Trust now leases the island from the Salvation Army and works with the Department of Conservation to preserve and protect the island’s nature. Species found on the island include kiwi, pateke, and different types of skinks. Guided walks are available from rangers, or you can tour independently and visit the Exhibition Centre & Museum.
Rangers run 90-minute guided nature walks every morning, which should be booked in advance.
It’s possible to get to Rotoroa Island by private boat, water taxi, helicopter, or seaplane, but the easiest is by ferry. These run from the Auckland Central Business District (CBD), and take about an hour. It’s also possible to get to Rotoroa Island by ferry from the Coromandel Peninsula. Ferry tickets should be booked in advance.
The museum on the island is open daily. Summers in Auckland are warm, and winters cool and often wet; the spring (September-November), summer (December-February), and autumn (March-May) are the most pleasant times to go. Many New Zealanders take their annual holidays between late December and early February, so this period can get quite busy on the island.
Another popular island in the Hauraki Gulf is Waiheke. Unlike Rotoroa it’s not a nature reserve, and a few thousand people live there. It’s a popular destination for wine tours, as there are many vineyards on the island. The views back to Auckland City are impressive, and there are also many places to stay.