An island in itself, New Zealand is filled with majestic landscapes that are a treat for the eyes. Even though there are two main islands in New Zealand: North and South Island, New Zealand is surrounded by 600 smaller islands. Tourists from around the world are attracted to the mesmerizing landscapes and natural charm of the islands.
New Zealand islands offer a sneak peek into the culture, tradition and heritage of Kiwi, sustained in its true from with the natural resources of the region. The perfect vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city life is to spend time on the islands. It is the ideal place to unwind and relax.
Top 10 Islands in New Zealand: A Treat To The Eyes
New Zealand is surrounded by at least 600 islands, out of which most are easy to access and most aren’t, but are known for their beauty and majestic landscapes. Let’s get a sneak peek into the 10 best islands in New Zealand that are bound to take your breath away.
1. Stewart Island
The haven for peace and adventure, Stewart Island is isolated from the world by its remoteness. Most of the island is made up of the national park and one town called Halfmoon Bay, also known as Oban. The island is also known as Rakiura, which means ‘the land of glowing skies’, linked to the display of Aurora Australis, the southern lights.
Defined by the sea- pounded cliffs and sandy beaches, the island is surrounded by three sheltered inlets out of which, Paterson Inlet is the biggest and has a population of 450 people. The island is a haven for hikers and does have a walking track. Besides hikers, the island attracts bird watchers as there are over 30 species. Tourists can even go on a pelagic cruise and explore the Ulva Island bird sanctuary. People can even get to see bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, sea lions and the occasional sea elephant. Do you want to know the interesting part? People can even five penguin species, yellow- eyed rockhopper along with Fiordland and snares crested.
How To Visit Stewart Island: People can get to the island by ferry, which is about an hour's journey. The other most convenient way of getting to the island is by air. Ryan’s Creek Aerodrome is a tiny airstrip on the island.
Main Highlights of Island: Bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, sea lions and the occasional sea elephant
2. Chatham Islands
The remote, awe- inspiring place, Chatham Islands is filled with birds and a history that makes the visit memorable. The islands are home to two main inhabited islands: Chatham and Pitt Island. Both these islands have smaller islands surrounding them, which are within a 50 km radius, which make them worth a visit. Did you know Moriori inhabited the islands, who felt the island should be called Rekohu, which means misty skies or misty sun.’ Miriori descendants are still residents of the islands even today. The picturesque beaches, hills, dunes, basalt columns and lagoons on the islands are certain things people should explore.
How To Visit Chatham Island: People can get to the island by air, which is a 2-hour journey. There are no shuttles or taxis that go to the island.
Main Highlights of Island: Beaches, hills, dunes, basalt columns and lagoons
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3. Little Barrier Island
Nestled at the northern end of the Hauraki Gulf, Little Barrier Island, also known as Te Hauturu- O- Toi. It is one of the places to visit in Zealand as it is the largest natural reserves north of the subantarctic islands. It is said that a large volcano gave birth to the forest clad Te Hauturu-o- Toi. The island is home to some of the most diverse native birds and reptile communities. Little Barrier is one of the best places to visit in December in the world.
The diversity in the ecosystem on the island people often see include:
- boulder beaches on the shoreline
- steep coastal cliffs and coastal forest
- regenerating scrub and forest on the hillslopes
- kauri, podocarp, broadleaved, beech are the various types of forests
How to visit Little Barrier Island: People can take a ferry to the island which is about a 4.5-hour journey and can even fly to the island.
Main Highlights of Island: Native birds and reptile
4. Kawau Island
One of the larger islands in Hauraki Gulf, Kawau Island is a peaceful heaven for those looking to escape the city life. Sir George Grey, back in 1862, bought the island as a private residence. The private residence has become a historical mansion house filled with all kinds of artefacts collected on his various travels. Wallabies and peacocks are some of the things one will get to see in the tropical gardens which was then introduced to the island.
People can go on a cruise to discover the stunning bays, historical landmarks to learn about the history of the island. If you want to go fishing, then take a boat and anchor at one of the peaceful bays- the serene clear waters ideal for catching snapper, kingfish, kahawai and John Dory.
How To Visit Kawau Island: People can get to the island by ferries or can get to the island by seaplane.
Main Highlights of Island: Historical mansion house and snapper, kingfish, kahawai and John Dory
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5. Poor Knights Islands
An ocean of diving has been compressed below the waves at the Poor knights' islands. Said to be the biggest sea caves in the world, Rikoriko caves are the major highlights of the islands. People can experience the turbulent sunlit waters and kelp forests and the dark waters of the islands. A range of fish, shellfish, urchins and anemones are some of the things people can find in the sponge gardens and gorgonian fields.
One of the many things that are interesting to explore are the arches along with the animals fighting for space on the walls. Squadrons of stingrays can be found during the warmer months cruising the waters of the archways. Spotted black groper, mosaic moray and Lord Howe coralfish are several subtropical species that can be seen on the island, which are one of the many things to do in New Zealand.
How To Visit Poor Knight Islands: One can reach the island by boat from any port in Hauraki Gulf and Northland.
Main Highlights of Island: Squadrons of stingrays and spotted black groper, mosaic moray and Lord Howe coralfish
6. Tiritiri Matangi Island
Have you ever been to a island that is a wildlife sanctuary for native birds? Interesting, isn’t it? The stunning wildlife sanctuary for native birds, Tiritiri Matangi Island is one of the most mesmerizing places to visit as tourists will be serenaded by a birdsong. It is a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers. It is an island people will never want to leave. The best part is yet to come. The island is home to a 150-year-old lighthouse, lush coast forests, beaches in New Zealand and stunning views. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to have the best time of their lives?
How To Visit Tiritiri Matangi Island: One can reach the island by ferry which is a 75-minute ride from Auckland. People can even take a ferry from Gulf Harbor which only about 20 minutes.
Main Highlights of Island: 150-year-old lighthouse, lush coast forests and beaches in New Zealand
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7. Whale Island
Known as the gem of New Zealand, Whale Island is found sitting on the bay of plenty coast of North Island. Protected by wildlife reserve, the island is home to several plants, forest birds, marine mammals like fur seals and lizards. Grey-faced petrels, shearwaters, blue penguins, Caspian tern, the North Island Kaka and New Zealand falcon are some of the most stunning birds one can see on the island. Known to the world by another name, Moutohora, the island has two volcanic cones that have eroded, most active and natural hot springs. There are several archaeological sites that are influenced to Maori and European culture which is something that people will get to explore.
Whale island is restricted and the only way one can get there is by boat operators, unlike the other islands in New Zealand.
How To Visit Whale Island: One can reach the island by ferry or air.
Main Highlights Of The Island: Grey-faced petrels, shearwaters, blue penguins, Caspian tern, the North Island Kaka and New Zealand falcon
8. Ulva Island
The stunning open bird sanctuary, Ulva Island offers tourists the most unspoiled experience, never felled rain- forest, rare birds and plants at close quarters. People are given an experience of what the bush in New Zealand is like and what the predator control programs could be like- filled with color, noise and movement.
The birth of the island is an interesting story to tell as it is not like any other you’ve heard. Back in 1899, the island was once a preservation of native game and flora, which was a first in New Zealand. The eradication of pests began in the 1980’s and 90’s and in 1997, the island was declared pest free. Ulva Island was re-introduced after the removal of rats that was said to have been a threat to several species. Kākā, Kākāriki, Tūī, Bellbirds/korimako, Pigeons/Kereru, Fantails/Piwakawaka, Saddleback/Tieke, Rifleman/Titipounamu, Brown creeper/Pīpipi, Stewart Island robin/Toutouwai and Yellowhead/Mohua are some of the things people will encounter.
How To Visit Ulva Island: One can reach the island by ferry from Bluff or light aircraft from Invercargill. Water taxi is also another way of getting to the island.
The Main Highlights Of The Island: Kākā, Kākāriki, Tūī, Bellbirds/korimako, Pigeons/Kereru, Fantails/Piwakawaka, Saddleback/Tieke, Rifleman/Titipounamu, Brown creeper/Pīpipi, Stewart Island robin/Toutouwai and Yellowhead/Mohua
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9. Urupukapuka Island
Urupukapuka Island is often described as “Wow”, to put it simply. It is one of the biggest islands in the bay that spoils people for choices when it comes to enjoying the recreation reserve. Tourists can spend an entire day on the island. The island is an absolute paradise that takes people back to nature.
Walk, picnic, swim and snorkel or even camping are some of the ways to enjoy the wildlife-friendly haven. Urupukapula has several sandy beaches and waters that are ideal for diving.
How To Visit Urupukapuka Island: Water Taxis are the best way to get to the island.
Main Highlights Of The Island: Swimming, snorkeling and camping
10. Campbell Islands
The group of islands, Campbell surrounds itself with several rocks and islets, Dent Island, Folly Island, Isle de Jeanette Marie and Jacquemart Island. The island is steep and rugged, that rises up to 569 m at Mount Honey in the south. The island has three harbors on its east side.
Campbell island was given birth to by Captain Fredrick Hasselburgh in January 1810, which is now home to several birds and other species. It has been recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO for its flora and fauna.
How To Visit Campbell Island: The only way to get to the island is by helicopter or charted vessels.
Main Highlights Of The Island: Birds and other species
Have you ever been to a city or country and only visited the islands? If you haven’t yet, then maybe you should plan your holiday like that. The islands in New Zealand are stunning and are known to pamper people. The joy of spending time on an island away from the hustle and bustle of the city has its own charm. So, with so much to do, what you waiting for? Pack your bags and have the best time of your life.
FAQs
There are around 600 islands in New Zealand.
North and south islands are the two main islands in New Zealand.
Grey-faced petrels, shearwaters, blue penguins, Caspian tern, the North Island Kaka and New Zealand falcon are some of the most stunning birds one can see on the island.
A range of fish, shellfish, urchins and anemones are some of the things people can find in the sponge gardens and gorgonian fields on the island.
The stunning open bird sanctuary, Ulva Island offers tourists the most unspoiled experience, never felled rain- forest, rare birds and plants at close quarters. People are given an experience of what the bush in New Zealand is like and what the predator control programs could be like- filled with color, noise and movement.
One of the many things that are interesting to explore are the arches along with the animals fighting for space on the walls. Squadrons of stingrays can be found during the warmer months cruising the waters of the archways.
The stunning wildlife sanctuary for native birds, Tiritiri Matangi Island is one of the most mesmerizing places to visit as tourists will be serenaded by a birdsong. It is a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
People can get to the island by air, which is a 2-hour journey. There are no shuttles or taxis that go to the island.
