7 Sensational Islands in New Zealand for Your Next Getaway
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One of my favorite things about New Zealand is that there are so many islands to discover, each with its own unique character. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure, a romantic getaway, or a memorable family outing, there’s an island perfectly suited for every type of holiday.
I’ve visited my fair share of islands around New Zealand, and I’ve picked my favorites based on my own experiences. I hope my insights help you decide which island is right for your next adventure. Discover the top islands and learn about what makes each one special before planning your next tropical escape.
The most Beautiful Islands in New Zealand to visit
1. Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island, just a short ferry ride away from Auckland, is one of the most beautiful islands in all of New Zealand. The island is most well-known for the 30 boutique wineries that are scattered around its countryside and both locals and tourists make the journey across to spend a perfect day wine tasting in Waiheke’s vineyards and dining in its incredible restaurants.
Being an island, Waiheke offers beautiful views across the Hauraki Gulf, and its sunsets are incredible. Combine that with a chilled New Zealand sauvignon blanc, and you have the perfect combination. Other activities will keep the visitor occupied for hours.
From ziplining across the vineyards to cycling around the island and enjoying stops for wine tasting on route. For walkers, there are many trails. One trail goes completely around the island, but it will take more than one day to complete.
And that is just the excuse needed for staying in one of the beautiful properties that are available; from vineyard lodgings to bachs on the beach, there is certainly something for everyone on Waiheke Island.
Recommended by Angela Price of “Where Angie Wanders”
2. Stewart Island
Located off the tip of the bottom of the South Island, Stewart Island is just a short ferry ride across the Fuveaux Straight from Bluff. It’s an incredibly beautiful and untamed island that’s been left largely in its natural state.
Because of this, it’s the ideal place to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, kayaking, and bird watching. In fact, as the island is predator-free, you’ll find a diverse range of birds living in the native bush and nesting around the coastline, including penguins, albatrosses, falcons, and even kiwis!
The underwater world is just as exciting, and you don’t need to get wet to enjoy it. Hop on a semi-submersible vessel from the island’s main boat terminal and you can watch the marine life through large glass panels.
Another unique thing about Stewart Island is that it’s a dark sky sanctuary, meaning it’s the perfect place to gaze at the stars, and perhaps even witness the Southern Lights – one of the most magical experiences you can have in New Zealand!
Visit Stewart Island in the summer months to benefit from a milder climate and more daylight hours to explore.
Recommended by Nadine Maffre Of “Le Long Weekend”
3. Rangtito Island
Rangitoto Island makes a unique visit, particularly for anyone who is travelling through Auckland where Rangitoto is the largest and youngest volcano in the Auckland Volcanic Circuit.
At 600 years old, Rangitoto is the baby out of the 55 dormant volcanoes in the city. When taking a ferry to Rangitoto Island, you’re reminded to take water and snacks or lunch since there are no cafes or shops on the island.
It’s also important to check the last return ferry departure since it wouldn’t be a great place to get stranded! Thankfully, there is fairly good signage on Rangitoto to help you find your way around the many walking trails.
The must-do trail is up to the crater itself. The hour-long summit track leads up to the 230m high summit lookout and has wonderful views over the Hauraki Gulf. I highly recommend the half-hour detour to the Lava Caves where you can experience one of the lava tunnels created here hundreds of years ago, while the island was being formed, by walking through it. Don’t forget your torch when visiting the caves!
There is also a stunning lighthouse, historic baches and WWII sites, and a shipwreck bay to spot depending on which route you choose. The shady native flora walks and saltwater pool make it a memorable day out.
Recommended by Cassie Bailey Of “Cassie The Hag”
4. Chatham Island
The Chatham Islands are a treasure trove of natural beauty, with unique varieties of flora and an exotic array of wildlife. Home to about 600 residents, these islands offer a truly remote and authentic experience. I loved exploring famous landmarks like the striking Basalt Columns at Ohira Bay—massive pentagonal volcanic formations that erupted over 80 million years ago—and the historic Maunganui Stone Cottage.
One of my favorite experiences was walking through the JM Barker (Hapupu) National Historic Reserve, where a peaceful bush walk reveals rare Moriori tree carvings etched into kopi trees. Another unmissable adventure is a visit to Pitt Island, which holds the distinction of being the first inhabited place in the world to see the sunrise each day. If you’re longing for a destination that’s both wild and culturally rich, the Chatham Islands are unforgettable.
The Chatham islands are reachable through domestic flights services from Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington. Though the Chatham islands are off beat and located at a farther distance from both North and South islands of New Zealand, these islands are an escape for people who are looking for more unique and isolated places to explore in the country.
5. Motutapu Island
Motutapu is one of the less-visited islands in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, but it quickly became a favorite of mine. As one of the oldest islands in the region—dating back 178 million years—it’s steeped in history. Over the centuries, this lush, green, and grassy island has been home to Māori settlements, Victorian picnic parties, and even a World War II military base (you can still see the remnants of the old barracks today).
Now, Motutapu is a pest-free Department of Conservation ‘Recreation Reserve,’ making it perfect for hikers and anyone keen to spot rare and native New Zealand birds. I loved wandering along the island’s easy, scenic walking tracks, each offering its own views and sense of tranquility.
One of the shorter walking tracks will take you to a beautiful and unspoilt beach called Sandy Bay which is perfect for a picnic and swim. If you have more time, head to Billy Goat Point, the northernmost part of the island.
Motutapu island is a perfect day trip from Auckland and is easy to reach by ferry in just 35 minutes. Take good walking shoes with you, plus food and drink as there are no shops on the island.
Recommended by Caroline Keyzore Of “CK Travels”
6. Urupukapuka
Urupukapuka is one of the most beautiful and accessible islands in New Zealand. It’s located in the Bay of Islands in the far north of the North Island and can easily be visited on a day trip from Paihia or Russell by ferry or water taxi (which take about 40 minutes). On the island you’ll find rolling green hills, golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and forests full of native birds including pukeko, North Island saddlebacks, tui, and fantails.
You could spend the day relaxing on the beach, renting kayaks, and visiting the cafe at Otehei Bay or choose one of the other calm bays for swimming and snorkelling. It’s also well worth exploring the hiking trails—a loop of the whole island is about 11km and takes 3-5 hours, but you can choose a shorter trail.
Summer (December to February) is the best time to visit for enjoying the beaches, but the weather is mild year-round and off-season is ideal for hiking without the crowds. This guide to visiting Urupukapuka Island has more tips.
By Erin McNeaney Of “Never Ending Voyage”
7. Adele Island, Abel Tasman National Park
Adele Island is a picture-perfect Island and bird sanctuary located off the mainland in the Abel Tasman National Park. The park is situated at the top of the South Island in the Tasman region.
Visiting Adele Island was a truly unique highlight of my time exploring Abel Tasman National Park. Although the island is relatively small, it’s easy to reach by boat or kayak. Some of my favorite moments included watching the resident seal colony and relaxing on the island’s golden sandy beaches, all while taking in the striking granite coastline.
If you’re up for an adventure, I highly recommend hiring a kayak from Marahau. Whether you join a guided Abel Tasman kayaking trip or opt for a freedom rental (with a two-person minimum), paddling out to Adele Island is an experience you won’t forget.
With a kayak, you can circumvent navigate the Island. Otherwise, grab a water taxi heading North into the park and the provider will stop at the top of Adele Island and show off the seal colony.
Have you visited any of these incredible islands in New Zealand, or do you have others you think should be included on this list? I’d love to hear about your experiences and recommendations—please share them in the comments below!
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