Where is the Hauraki Gulf?

The protected waters of the Hauraki Gulf contain many islands, most of which are conservation islands and sanctuaries. It is seen as Auckland's marine playground - much loved by boaties, fishers, and divers. Named by Captain Cook - Great Barrier and Little Barrier Island's define the outer limits of the Hauraki Gulf. Our area of operation for day and overnight trips to see seabirds is the outer Hauraki Gulf - north of Tiritiri Matangi to the Poor Knights Islands and east to Great Barrier Island from the North Auckland coast. The outer Hauraki Gulf is influenced by the warm East Auckland Current (EAUC), particularly around the Poor Knights and Mokohinau Islands, as well as along the eastern side of Great Barrier Island. This warm subtropical current brings a subtropical component to the marine life found there. The Poor Knights Islands are a marine reserve created to protect the unique marine life found there.

Where do our boats leave from?

We operate in the outer Hauraki Gulf, so to make the most of our day we head out from Sandspit, Leigh Harbour and Ti Point Wharf. These are locations reached by driving to Warkworth on SH1, 50 mins north of Auckland. Sandspit is 10mins from Warkworth, Leigh and Ti Point about 20mins. We will let you which of these locations we are using when you book. There are plenty of options for accommodation in the Warkworth, Snells Beach, Sandspit, Matakana and Leigh area. Contact us for more details. 

How long will we be out on the water?
Most of our trips are full day tours, giving plenty of time for you to see the best of the Hauraki Gulf; however we can arrange half-day trips on demand. Trips are up to 12-hours' in duration, though winter trips are a bit shorter. Please confirm final requirements with us before your trip.

What kind of boats do we travel aboard?
Currently we use a number of comfortable charter boats operating in the Gulf and Northern waters and our skippers have a good understanding of the needs of birdwatchers. These vessels are generally used for fishing, diving and research.

What do I need to bring?
You will need to bring lunch and plenty of fluids to drink. We provide a light snack on our trip home and coffee and tea is available on board. Weather conditions can vary enormously in the Gulf, so you should be prepared for hot and dry as well as cold and wet. Bring warm clothing and a raincoat, but also pack sunblock, sunhat, and sunglasses. Don't forget your binoculars, camera and film.

Will I get seasick?
If you are prone to motion sickness you should consider taking medication before departure.

What are guided islands visits ?
Little Barrier, Tiritiri Matangi, Kawau, Mokohinau Group (Burgess Island) and Rakitu and Great Barrier - we can arrange visits to any of these islands on our trips using our concessions and permits that we can apply for on your behalf. We (Karen and Chris) are accredited supervisors for Little Barrier.

Karen and group on visit to Burgess Island in the Mokohinaus

Burgess Island, Mokohinaus
Photo by Natalie Patenaude

Will we take a break from birding?
We always anchor in a sheltered island bay for lunch, and in the summer there is often time for a refreshing swim or snorkel, so bring a bathing suit. On the island sanctuaries where we don't land, we anchor close enough to see and hear some of the terrestrial endemic birds such as saddleback, tui, kaka and pigeon.

Will we have someone who will help us identify the birds?
On all our trips we have a guide on board (in addition to the skipper) who will help you identify the birds we see. At the start of each trip we do a run through of the birds we are most likely to see, identifying features and any special target species. We want to ensure you get the most out of your trip.

What marine life can be seen?
The Hauraki Gulf abounds with fish life. We have seen massive boil-ups of trevally and kingfish on a number of our trips to date. Also huge sunfish, sharks and flying fish. The Gulf is also home to a range of cetaceans (Bryde's Whales, Orca, Common and Bottle-nosed Dolphins).

Are there books which we can buy to help us identify the birds?

The Field Guide to New Zealand Seabirds by Brian Parkinson, published by New Holland Publishers. This guide provides ready identification and up-to-date information of many species that are likely to be encountered in New Zealand waters.

We have for sale copies of this comprehensive and easy-to-use New Zealand guide and other bird books such as The Hand Guide to the Birds of New Zealand by Hugh Robertson & Barrie Heather, published by Penguin Books NZ. Please contact us.

Chris and Karen aboard Hawere