Overview
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a cruise through Tikapa Moana, the Hauraki Gulf, and discover the Rotoroa Island sanctuary. This pretty little island is a perfect escape from the city for the day or longer.
Explore the island on foot via established walking tracks across open fields, native bush and sandy shorelines. Take your chance at spotting iconic native species free ranging across the island including kiwi, takahē and tīeke.
Rotoroa Island has been predator free since 2014 and is now home to a number of native birds and wildlife free ranging across the island.
Discover the unique history of the island through the award-winning museum exhibition and heritage buildings or enjoy the sheltered sandy bays and clear waters for relaxing, swimming and snorkeling.
Facilities on the island include a gift shop, freshwater drinking fountain, toilets and electric barbeques.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
No food available to purchase on the Island. Food brought onto Island must be in a sealed bag/container.
Food and drinks are available to purchase on board the ferry.
Ferry takes 75-minutes each way to/from Rotoroa Island
WINTER SCHEDULE (until 23 October 2026): Wednesday - Sunday: Departs Auckland 9:15am | Departs Rotoroa 2:25pm | Arrives Auckland 4:00pm
What To Expect
Rotoroa Island
Rotoroa Island has been predator free since 2014 and is now home to a number of native birds and wildlife free ranging across the island. With a unique history as a rehabilitation centre you will uncover the history of Rotoroa through the award-winning museum and exhibition and historic buildings. Enjoy quiet sandy beaches for picnics and swimming and take in the views from Waiheke to Coromandel. There really is something here for everyone.
Hauraki Gulf
Travel through the Hauraki Gulf to and from Rotoroa Island.
Options
11:30am Weekends
Departs Rotoroa 5:40pm
9:30am Weekends
Departs Rotoroa 2:25pm
9:15am Departure
Departs Rotoroa 2:25pm
What‘s Included
Return ferry to Rotoroa Island from Auckland
Air-conditioned vehicle
75-minute cruise each way through the Hauraki Gulf
Restroom on board
Approximately 4-5 Hours to Explore Rotoroa Island
Food and drinks - not available for purchase on island (can be purchased on board the ferry).
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Poor communication
Happiness60123566442,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Booked an 1830 return trip. Was only told once on board that 1430 was the last return. Had to rush my plans. Would have planned differently had I been properly informed
Rotoroa Island Auckland NZ
Einar T,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The boat was good, the island beautiful but the markings of the walking tracks were very poor. I got lost for a while due to poor marking. But overall a nice experience.
great nature
michieldekoning,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour made. Well arranged boat crossing and on the island we did a guided nature walk. Very nice to learn about the trees and animals on the island. We walked to the highest point and had a very nice view ever the Harauki Gulf. By the way, you can also laze on nice beaches here. Lovely day in nature away from the big city.
Amazing day out
83anyaw,Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was my 2nd boat trip with Explore Group and it's always a lovely day out. Really recommend the girls who run this trip are really knowledgeable and it's a beautiful journey. Both Rotoroa island and the Dolphin/Whale cruise are great ways to explore outside of the city.
Beautiful views; Peaceful break
Michele V,Jul 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What a lovely day trip of peace and quiet. Away from everyone. Ferry ride was fun -- up top was windy and cold but worth the views. While on the island you hike and run around. I ventured and only saw two people from the tour our whole time. You can do the whole island in the alloted time. I had lunch at the North Tower with the amazing view. MaiMai bay was my favorite -- quiet, hidden, not well upkept on the trail but I found it. I only wish I had gone their first and could have had lunch there with the view. Lady and Mens bay also beautiful.
Robin
BIN E,May 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00this is a good trip that what i expect, it's beautiful view and lot of bay , you can eat some food in the beach an take some photos.
A definite must do when in Auckland.
MrsCockburn,Feb 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an absolute privilege to be able to visit the beautiful island of Rotorua. Our ferry from Auckland was comfortable and right on schedule. Plenty of time to enjoy the island and its beaches. Take a picnic (remember to take all your rubbish off the island with you! ) and plenty of water. There is a small shop on island but it’s only open for a short amount of time and has some souvenirs and a small selection of juice/ice lollies. Would definitely recommend this trip!
Day trip
darla m,Feb 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A beautiful, scenic ferry ride with comfortable seats and friendly staff. Highly recommend seeing this island, very quiet and freely :) we had a lovely day
Enjoy all that Nature has to Offer on this Beautiful Island
Kelli B,Feb 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Short ferry ride from Auckland. Beautiful island with scenic hiking, lava caves, and a gorgeous beach. The ferry schedule allows you to choose how much time you spend on the island. I recommend you give yourself at least 6 hour as there is so much to explore.
Rotoroa island ferry trip
Excursion58203273355,Jan 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Boat left on time, good information on board going out to the island which was easy to understand. Good instructions on what time boat was returning
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Operated by Explore Group Limited