Rotoroa Island Day Trip & Ferry - from Auckland

4.6 (10 reviews) 7–8 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

10 reviews

4.6

Rotoroa Island Day Trip & Ferry - from Auckland — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Rotoroa Island Day Trip & Ferry - from Auckland, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Day Trips Hiking Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Private and Luxury Walking Tours Water Tours Bird Watching

At a glance

Duration: 7–8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 100 people
People per booking: 1–30
Operated by: Explore Group Limited

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–15 years) · Adults (16–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Return ferry to Rotoroa Island from Auckland
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: 75-minute cruise each way through the Hauraki Gulf
Included: On-board restrooms: Restroom on board
Included: Approximately 4-5 Hours to Explore Rotoroa Island

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks - not available for purchase on island (can be purchased on board the ferry).
Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

Rotoroa Island

4 hours

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

Passing by

Travel through the Hauraki Gulf to and from Rotoroa Island.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Please check in at the Explore Booking Kiosk (diagonally opposite the Maritime Museum) at least 15 minutes prior to departure.

End point

Please check in at the Explore Booking Kiosk (diagonally opposite the Maritime Museum) at least 15 minutes prior to departure.

Using your ticket

Please check in at the Explore Booking Kiosk (diagonally opposite the Maritime Museum). The Explore team will provide you with a boarding pass for your tour.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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