A must-visit destination for nature lovers! Rotoroa Island is a true paradise escape! Its pristine beaches and lush landscapes offer a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you seek tranquility or adventure, Rotoroa Island is a must-visit destination for nature lovers!

Landi

A few days in Paradise! My wife, 4 friends and myself booked Mahoe lodge on Rotoroa for a weekend. The lodge was very comfortable, well provisioned (even plunger coffee supplied) and sparkling clean. BUT, the environment took the cake: stunning views of the gulf, Weka wandering around everywhere, lovely walks, swims in crystal clear water, Takahe, saddlebacks and other native birds around. A weekend totally enjoyed by all of us.

Max, Auckland

Magic! Awesome accommodation (in the Superintendent's House) for a large group with a huge kitchen and huge seating areas - indoors and out. Well maintained, clean, airy. We had Kiwi outside our bedroom two nights out of three, which was really special (but noisy). The hosts are extremely helpful, informative, and relaxed. Do not miss the opportunity to spend a night or two or longer on this magical island. Can't wait to go back next year!

Kikki0, Auckland

Conservation Gold! So much more than I expected, this island delivers endangered birds you will see nowhere else in the world as well as lush regenerating bush. Summer, our guide was knowledgable and fun with some wonderful stories and a gentle manner. You can tell she loves this place. If you want to get a real taste of Auckland in one day this boat trip and trek is a great day out.

Marty, Auckland

A stunning and rare experience of Aucklands Gulf Islands - Our group spent last weekend on Rotoroa Island for an Adventure getaway. We had the most fabulous time - the accommodation was great (Serenity House), and we loved the different walks and swims we could do at the various spots across the Island. And the conservation work is really impressive - we even got to get up close to the Patiki Duck (very rare!) We'd highly recommend Rotoroa!!!

Qiujinge, Auckland

Rotoroa is paradise - a beautifully maintained hideaway right in Auckland's backyard. From the moment we set foot on the island we were relaxed. Rotoroa is the most chilled out and stunning little secret, a mere hour away from the bustle of downtown Auckland. Stunning beaches on every side of the island and beautiful walks that enable you to explore the entire perfectly-proportioned place. We saw takahe, saddleback, weka, tui, whitehead and gannets, plus a bonus stingray lolling in the shallows. Amazing! There are even clean toilets dotted around the island for those on walks. The accommodation was fabulous, with beautiful views from every room and everything you could need for a relaxing stay away from home. But the best thing was how wonderfully relaxing it was. We practically had to be shovelled onto the ferry for the trip home...!

Wanderlustful8, Auckland

Amazing island - soul renewing experience! Rotoroa Island is an absolutely magical island, a private paradise that is just over an hour’s wonderful boat trip from Auckland. If you are fortunate enough to be able to stay in one of the fab houses, you’ll feel you’ve been treated to an amazing, priceless and soul renewing experience. How lucky we are to have such a gem gifted by Philanthropists Neal and Annette Plowman - to give Aucklanders access to the island. New Zealand at its best!

Niki, Auckland

Spectacular slice of NZ. So beautiful. It’s like time stands still. Place to truly relax. The bird life is surreal, amazing to listen at night to all the birds we don’t hear on the mainland. We were a large family group of 18, kids to teens and the island suited us all. Stayed in the super house, excellent facilities, well stocked with what was needed, great lay out. Clean, modern & loads of books to pass the time. Exhibition centre is great, full of interesting history. Island is well kept. Buildings are great to explore around. Millie & Glen were brilliant. Couldn’t fault their level of customer service. Such an asset to this place. The trust deserve a lot of recognition for their conservation efforts. Thanks team!

Happiness, Auckland

Unbelievable...a must do for anyone loving our great outdoors and birdlife. Hoped off the ferry and was met by 4 Takahe...now it does not get any better than that. Well it did. Over the 2 days I was there I experienced wonderful bird-life, amazing native forest regeneration, pristine golden sandy beaches and spent time with the passionate guides and staff who enrich the island experience. To think that some very kind hearted and generous folks decided to make a difference to this island and put in a lot of energy and money to ensure all who wanted to could come and spend time on this lovely secluded Hauraki Gulf Island. Many thanks for such a wonderful experience. The birdlife is up there with Stewart Island's Ulva Island.....now that is saying something.

QCLodge, Queenstown, New Zealand

Ideal bush walking and swimming island Awesome island with mixture of unique history and stunning bush walks, beaches for swimming and picnic spots. Includes an informative exhibition centre about the island’s past and a small gift shop. The ferry over is worth it alone and has a cafe onboard

Darragh, Sydney

Once in a lifetime experience Blown away to be with so many native birds in a natural setting just an hour away from the city. I had no idea they had weka, kiwi, takahe and saddleback there! Accommodation was super comfortable and an excellent price. Tour was top notch and our tour guide was super knowledgeable. Highly recommended for all city-slickers!

Comptess, Auckland

Excellent weekend. Myself and 3 12 yr old boys stayed in the SuperIntendents quarters for the long weekend. Fantastic weekend. Being picked up off the ferry by the local host and having our bags transported to the lodge was an unexpected bonus. Very clean modern basic accommodation set up - dishwasher, lots of fridges, great space etc and great value for money.

Markaiten, Auckland, New Zealand

A superb, serene and beautiful escape from Auckland and overnight recommended! My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful stay on Rotoroa Island mid-October. We stayed in the Oranga chalet, which was close to everything, spotlessly clean and very well appointed. It was ideal for us to have the freedom of walking all over such a beautiful island, then return to civilised sheets and comfortable beds, well connected wifi and good coffee! We'd absolutely stay again and recommend this island to all our visitors. The island is so quiet at night, you'll sleep deeply and the stars are extra bright away from the city lights. A real treasure island.

Robert, New Zealand

Stayed at Serenity Holiday Homes Beautiful Bach with ample room and walking distance to Ladies beach. Exceptionally clean, well organized and kitted out. The island has stunning beaches with crystal clear water. We were lucky to time our visit with a Kiwi release so got to see one up close. The island also has Takahe and other bird life. We would highly recommend Rotorua for a weekend, especially for families.

emskiholmes, Auckland

Historic and Beautiful. The island used to be run by the Salvation Army many years ago and alcoholics were sent here as part of their "drying out" period. Today it remains a treasure, reminding us of our past endeavours and an island sanctuary for some of our rare birdlife, including a breading program for Takahe.

Terry C, Auckland, New Zealand

This was our 5th stay at the island and it still amazes us! Thank you so much for your hard work and the foresight of the Plowmans and RIT in securing this island as a haven. A globally unique island!

Nicholson Family, Auckland

"The best weekend away" A group of 11 of us spent the weekend at Rotoroa Island for my birthday recently. We booked the Superintendents House which sleeps up to 18. Luckily we had the place to ourselves. It is spacious, clean and very well stocked. We played games, cooked pizzas, read books, did jigsaws and lazed in the sun on the deck. A perfect spot for a large group. The island is just stunning. Gorgeous beaches, easy walks and regenerating native bush. The tieke/saddlebacks come right out to greet you as you wander along. We were followed around by curious piwakawaka. The kowhai were in full bloom and being enjoyed by tui and silvereyes. I can't wait to go in the summer and spend the day at Ladies Bay swimming and relaxing on the sand. I recommend taking ear plugs as the weka will keep you awake if you are light sleeper. The tour with the island hosts is well worth doing and we all learnt a lot.

Anna, Auckland

What a fabulous place to spend the last couple of days of our trip to NZ - a beautiful island surrounded by incredible scenery, with very comfortable and well equipped accommodation. (guests in Mahoe Holiday Home)

Ann & Ted, UK

Rotoroa Island is truly a little paradise. We loved the people, our beautiful bach (Oranga), the island and its animal inhabitants. Thank you so much Rotoroa - we will be back!

Margaret, Coromandel

Hidden Gem in the Hauraki. We've been going on for awhile now and couldn't recommend Rotoroa more. Six of us went over last weekend for a boys overnight fishing trip. The Island is small enough to navigate around extremely easy and can be fished from any point and ledge. We stayed at the Superintendent's House which has a big kitchen area so we could all cook at the same time and not overcrowd each other, 2 BBQ's, Free Wifi, Filleting Station and plenty of space. If you're staying overnight you're met at the ferry by island caretakers who are extremely friendly and helpful and will take your gear to the accommodation and back to the ferry upon leaving.

Kiwi-Norm, Auckland, New Zealand

It’s called a Treasure Island and rightly so. A beautifully kept predator free island with gentle walks all over. We were there for about six hours and loved every minute of it. I have no hesitation in recommending this place most highly. Our guide, Summer, was just outstanding and made the day even more fascinating. Thank you!

RDMacleod, Auckland

Weekend celebrations. 11 of us came over last Friday night and stayed at Serenity. We just had to bring all our food and beverages and everything else is supplied. The house was absolutely brilliant - great décor and well appointed. They have thought of everything here right down to hot water bottles, beach towels, free wifi (loved that!) and a great kitchen.

Vanessamills20, Hamilton, New Zealand

The island is an absolute treasure. Really appreciate the public access to the island. Magic to hear and see so many saddleback. A very impressive information centre, both for the informative display and stylish high quality finish of the building. We look forward to returning in the future to see the bush regeneration.

Royal NZ Yacht Squadron, Auckland

Amazing! We went in the winter ... It was incredible - we did all the walks, and didn't see a soul the whole time. It felt like having a private island all to yourself. The scenery is fantastic, the colours of the grass, the sea and the sky are so vibrant and the little fantails that constantly circle you makes it feel almost Disney like. Caught a glimpse of some Weka, Takahe and Pateke, possibly even a Kiwi, though hard to tell through the long grass! I would definitely recommend coming here for a day if you need a little getaway.

Kassie, Auckland

Fascinating and thoughtful insight into the work of The Salvation Army and the conservation work on the island that has followed since. (member of Auckland Natural History Club)

Bev, Auckland