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Looking to visit the top islands in New Zealand? While New Zealand’s North and South Islands steal much of the spotlight, there are more places that showcase the country’s natural beauty, rich culture, and thrilling adventures. Beyond the mainland, Aotearoa, the Māori name for the island country, is fringed by a constellation of smaller, captivating islands. From vineyard-laden havens to rugged wilderness outposts and pristine wildlife sanctuaries, these islands promise diverse experiences that complete any New Zealand itinerary. Here are some of the top islands worth visiting.
Top 10 Islands In New Zealand
Explore the awe-inspiring islands in New Zealand, from wine-laden havens to remote wildlife sanctuaries, all waiting to be discovered.
1. Waiheke Island
Photo: Kristina D.C. Hoeppner / Wikimedia Commons
Just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland’s bustling city centre lies Waiheke Island, a world away with its laid-back charm, award-winning vineyards, and thriving art scene. It’s consistently ranked among the best Islands in New Zealand if you are looking for a relaxed, gourmet escape. Waiheke is a blend of stunning coastal scenery with sophisticated culinary delights and artistic flair. You can spend your days hopping between vineyards, each of which offers unique wines and spectacular views.
Nearest Airport: Auckland Airport
Nearest Ferry: Matiatia Ferry Terminal
2. Great Barrier Island
Photo: Department of Conservation / Wikimedia Commons
For those who want to escape into nature untouched by humans, the Great Barrier Island offers a truly wild and remote experience. Located off the coast of Auckland, it’s accessible by a longer ferry ride or a scenic small plane journey. This island has cemented its status as one of the top islands for adventure and genuine wilderness. The Great Barrier Island is also a designated International Dark Sky Sanctuary where you can go stargazing.
Nearest Airport: Great Barrier Aerodrome (GBZ) at Claris
Nearest Ferry: Hamer Street, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland City
3. Stewart Island / Rakiura
Photo: Wildman NZ / Wikimedia Commons
If you journey south of the South Island and across the Foveaux Strait from Bluff, you’ll find Stewart Island, or Rakiura, which means “land of glowing skies.” This is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and is famous for being the most accessible place in New Zealand to see wild kiwi birds. There are nocturnal tours that are organised specifically to spot the elusive native kiwi bird in its natural habitat
Nearest Airport: Ryan’s Creek Aerodrome (SZS)
Nearest Ferry: Oban Wharf (Halfmoon Bay)
4. Kapiti Island
Photo: Avenue / Wikimedia Commons
Just off the coast of Wellington, Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand’s most important predator-free nature reserves. There are strict access protocols, including a permit, to make sure its pristine environment remains a haven for some of the country’s rarest bird species. This island is a living example of successful conservation where endangered native birds can thrive without the threat of introduced predators.
Nearest Airport: Wellington International Airport (WLG), Kāpiti Coast Airport (PPQ) (domestic)
Nearest Ferry: Kapiti Boating Club at Paraparaumu Beach
5. The Poor Knights Islands
Photo: Peter Southwood / Wikimedia Commons
Off the Northland coast, near Tutukaka, lie the Poor Knights Islands. It is a world-renowned marine reserve and one of the most spectacular islands for marine enthusiasts. Its ancient volcanic remnants are globally recognised as a premier diving and snorkelling destination. Jacques Cousteau famously rated the Poor Knights Islands as one of the top ten dive sites in the world. Its unique geology, including archways, caves, and tunnels, combined with incredible biodiversity, creates an unparalleled underwater experience.
Nearest Airport: Auckland Airport (AKL) (international), Whangārei Airport (WRE) (regional)
Nearest Ferry: Charter boats and tour operators from Tutukaka Marina
6. Rangitoto Island
Photo: Bruce Hayward / Wikimedia Commons
Rangitoto Island is the youngest and largest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field, having emerged from the sea in a series of eruptions around 600 years ago. Easily accessible by a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland, it’s one of the most famous Islands for its distinctive conical shape and fascinating volcanoes. You can climb to the summit through the native pōhutukawa forest, the largest in the world, and ancient lava fields. It’s a perfect day trip for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Nearest Airport: Auckland Airport (AKL)
Nearest Ferry: Downtown Ferry Terminal
7. Tiritiri Matangi Island
Photo: itravelNZ / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Hauraki Gulf north of Auckland, Tiritiri Matangi Island is a groundbreaking conservation success story. Once deforested, it has been painstakingly revegetated and transformed into a predator-free open sanctuary. It is a haven for the country’s rarest and most endangered native birds, such as the Takahe, which was once thought to be extinct.
Nearest Airport: Auckland Airport (AKL)
Nearest Ferry: Downtown Ferry Terminal (Auckland CBD)
8. The Chatham Islands
Photo: David Broad / Wikimedia Commons
The Chatham Islands archipelago is a truly remote and unique destination. It is located approximately 800 kilometres east of New Zealand’s South Island. With its own distinct time zone, 45 minutes ahead of mainland NZ, it is a rugged, wild, and culturally rich corner of the world. The Chatham Islands are home to the indigenous Moriori people, whose history and culture are distinct from Māori. If you are a fearless traveller, you should explore its rugged coastlines, basalt columns, and vast lagoons such as Te Whanga Lagoon.
Nearest Airport: Tuuta Airport (CHT)
Nearest Ferry: There are no regular passenger ferry services
9. Kawau Island
Photo: Phillip Capper / Wikimedia Commons
Kawau Island is a significant historical and natural reserve, located north of Auckland, in the outer Hauraki Gulf. It was once the private retreat of Sir George Grey, an early Governor of New Zealand. He introduced a variety of exotic plants and animals, creating a unique historical and ecological landscape. Kawau Island is accessible by ferry or water taxi from Sandspit. You must visit the beautifully restored Mansion House, Grey’s former residence, and explore its surrounding exotic gardens, which are home to peacocks, wallabies, and other introduced species.
Distance From The Airport: 91 km to Sandspit
Nearest Airport: Auckland Airport (AKL)
Nearest Ferry: Sandspit Wharf, near Warkworth
Modes Of transport: Ferry, water taxi, seaplane, private boat
10. Ulva Island / Te Wharawhara
Photo: AlasdairW / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Nestled within Paterson Inlet, off the coast of Stewart Island, Ulva Island is a must-visit for nature lovers. This small, uninhabited island is a Department of Conservation (DOC) managed “open sanctuary,” where you can experience native bush and birdlife as it once was, before human impact. You can walk the well-maintained tracks and spot several native birds, many of which are rare on the mainland. Look for Kākā (bush parrots) and the elusive Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (tokoeka) if you’re lucky.
Nearest Airport: Stewart Island Airport (NZSI / OBN)
Nearest Ferry: Water taxis from Golden Bay Wharf or Halfmoon Bay Wharf
The smaller islands in New Zealand are true treasures, offering a unique and diverse array of experiences that extend far beyond the well-trodden paths of the mainland. Whether you seek the gourmet delights of Waiheke, the untamed wilderness of Great Barrier, the rare wildlife of Stewart and Kapiti, or the vibrant underwater world of the Poor Knights, these islands promise unforgettable moments. Plan a trip with TripXL and enjoy your island adventure.
Cover Photo: Francesco Ungaro / Pexels
