We love seeing Rotoroa through our visitors' eyes. Cindy and Simon Collins, the Queensland travel writers behind Free Two Roam, spent a day on the island as part of a North Island road trip, and wrote about everything they found here. Here are some of the highlights from their visit.
The journey over
Their day began at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour, with a 75-minute ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf (Tīkapa Moana). They described the trip as half the fun: past volcanic islands, across glittering water, with a chance of seabirds and dolphins along the way.
Birdlife in a predator-free sanctuary
Rotoroa has been predator-free since 2015, and native birds now roam freely across the island. Cindy and Simon went looking for takahē, one of the world's rarest birds. They missed them this time, but loved the anticipation of the search.
Their tip for birdlovers: chat with a ranger about where to look, or join the 90-minute Living Island Guided Walk to learn the calls and behaviours of tīeke (saddleback), takahē, weka and the other birds that call Rotoroa home.
Walks with a view
The pair walked the loops to both the North Tower and South Tower lookouts, taking just over four hours with plenty of stops for photos, birdspotting and soaking up the views. The tracks wind through regenerating native bush, past heritage sites and along clifftops, with views across the Gulf to Waiheke Island and Auckland. Most of the terrain is gentle, with a few moderate climbs.
Along the Southern Loop Track they stopped at Chris Booth's sculpture, Kaitiaki, which leans out over Ruthe Passage.
Four beaches to choose from
Rotoroa has four sheltered, sandy beaches: Ladies Bay, Men's Bay, Mai Mai Bay and Cable Bay. Ladies Bay was Cindy and Simon's favourite, with its rock formations and natural pools, and Men's Bay a close second for its calm shallows. The water was a touch cooler than the Queensland coast they're used to!
Pack a snorkel and mask to explore the sea life, and remember there are no lifeguards on the island.
The museum and heritage buildings
From 1911 to 2005, Rotoroa was a Salvation Army treatment centre, closed to the public. The award-winning Exhibition Centre and museum tells that story, alongside the island's restoration. Since reopening in 2011, more than 400,000 native plants have been planted. Cindy and Simon found the museum a quick but captivating stop, and a shady break on a sunny day.
Their one regret
Cindy and Simon's biggest piece of advice was don't rush home. "If we could do it again, we'd extend to an overnight so don't make our mistake!"
Rotoroa's holiday homes let you stay on after the last ferry leaves, when the beaches are quiet and the island is yours. Holiday home guests receive 20% off their Explore ferry. Book your stay.
Plan your visit
- Getting here: the Explore ferry departs Auckland's Viaduct Harbour and takes 75 minutes. Ferries run daily over summer. Book your ferry with Explore.
- Guided walk: add the 90-minute Living Island Guided Walk when you book your ferry.
- Food and water: there is no café, so bring a picnic in sealed containers. Free electric barbecues are available at Home Bay and Ladies Bay, and there's a drinking fountain near the museum.
- Leave no trace: take your rubbish home. Dogs, bikes and scooters aren't allowed on the island.
Thank you to Cindy and Simon for sharing their day with us. Read their full story on Free Two Roam.
