Ferry Crossings
Cruises
Nature & Wildlife
Family-friendly Tours
Day Tours
What can you do on Rotoroa Island?
Follow walking tracks through regenerating bush, wetlands and coastal areas, looking for birds such as takahē, tīeke, weka and pāteke. You can also visit the museum and heritage buildings, picnic, or swim at one of the island’s sandy beaches. The North Tower Loop takes about 45 minutes; the more demanding Southern Loop takes about 75 minutes. For a closer look at the island’s wildlife and restoration work, book the 90-minute Living Island Guided Walk with a ranger.
Rotoroa Island history and museum
Rotoroa Island opened as a Salvation Army addiction treatment centre in 1911 and served that purpose until 2005. Today, the Rotoroa Island Trust cares for it as a wildlife sanctuary. The museum and exhibition centre cover the island’s Māori and early European heritage, its treatment centre years and its conservation work; you can also see historic buildings while exploring on foot.
The museum, exhibition centre and historic buildings are open from 10am to 5pm daily, except Christmas Day.
What to bring, food and facilities
Bring your lunch and snacks, a water bottle, walking shoes, sun protection and clothing for the weather. Pack swimwear and a towel if you plan to use the beaches. There is no café or meal service on the island; a small kiosk sells ice creams, ice blocks and cold drinks shortly before the return ferry. Food taken ashore must be in sealed bags or containers to meet the island’s biosecurity requirements.
The island has toilets, changing sheds, a drinking water fountain and electric BBQs at Home Bay and Ladies’ Bay. BBQs are free when available, or you can reserve one for two hours for NZ$30. Take all your rubbish back to Auckland, as there are no rubbish bins on the island.
Where does the Rotoroa Island ferry leave from?
The ferry leaves from Explore Group’s booking kiosk in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, at the end of Quay Street, diagonally opposite the New Zealand Maritime Museum. Check in at least 15 minutes before departure. The ferry reaches Rotoroa Island in approximately 75 minutes.
Is the Rotoroa Island ferry suitable for kids?
Yes. Families can look for wildlife, take a short walk, visit the museum or spend time at a beach. Ladies Bay has nearby toilets, a changing shed and BBQ facilities. Some tracks are uneven or steep, so a child carrier is more practical than a pram for exploring beyond the central area. Bring the family’s food in sealed containers.
- Return ferry travel between Auckland Viaduct Harbour and Rotoroa Island
- Approximately 75 minutes of ferry travel each way
- Around 4 hours ashore in winter and up to 5 hours 50 minutes in summer
- Entry to the predator-free Rotoroa Island wildlife sanctuary
- Access to the island’s walking tracks, sandy bays and picnic areas
- Entry to the museum, exhibition centre and heritage buildings
- Use of island facilities, including toilets, a fresh-water drinking fountain and electric barbecues
- Adults: 16 years and older
- Children: 5-15 years old
- Infants (free): 0-4 years
- More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**
- Within 24 hours: No refund
**Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.
