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Islands near New Zealand are as peaceful as they seem. There are many islands which include Stewart Island, Cook Islands, Waiheke Islands and more. There are multiple activities to do on these islands which range from snorkelling, swimming, boat cruises, scuba diving to peacefully admiring the beauty of each island. These islands offer an enchanted view especially during the times of sunsets and sunrises. Let’s dive into each island’s beauty with a detailed guide describing islands near New Zealand.
10 Beautiful Islands near New Zealand
Here are the top ten islands close to New Zealand that will undoubtedly provide everyone with lifelong memories and stunning photos.
1. Stewart Island
Photo: Tom Ackroyd / Wikimedia Commons
One of New Zealand’s tourist attractions with the quickest rate of growth is Stewart Island. With only 400 people living there, it is the smallest of the nation’s three main islands. Nonetheless, there are over 13,000 kiwis on the island, and Rakiura National Park covers almost 90% of the island. Stewart Island is accessible by air and sea. You can reach the island in an hour by ferry, which departs from Bluff. A daily flight departs Invercargill Airport for Stewart Island, arriving there in twenty minutes.
Location: This island is only thirty kilometres to the south of the South Island
Best Time To Visit: November to March
2. Waiheke Island
Photo: Mike Dickison / Wikimedia Common
Waiheke Island, one of the biggest and most visited islands near New Zealand, is only a forty-minute ferry ride from Auckland’s downtown. The breathtaking beaches are great for kayaking, swimming, and even short excursions. The island is a popular wedding and honeymoon destination because of its wonderful beaches and wineries. In Waiheke, you can rent automobiles and mountain bikes for your trip. Fantastic wine is served on their wine excursions, and the gifts from the local craft businesses are outstanding.
Location: This island is located on the east coast of North Island, New Zealand
Best Time To Visit: December to April
3. Cook Islands
Photo: Rarotonga / Wikimedia Commons
The Cook Islands are a group of fifteen islands in the South Pacific Ocean that are roughly the size of India and home to 15,000 people. Rarotonga, the capital island, is only a four-hour flight from New Zealand, and an estimated 14,000 tourists visit it. Known as the best spot to unwind, the islands’ palm-lined beaches and azure lagoon waters are ideal for kayaking, snorkelling, and scuba diving. It’s also worth trying the mouthwatering traditional cuisine that is prepared directly on the beach.
Location: This island is halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand
Best Time To Visit: May to October
4. Little Barrier Island
Photo: Follash / Wikimedia Commons
The first nature reserve in New Zealand was created in 1896 and is located on Little Barrier Island. The preservation of the native plants and animals depends heavily on this island. There is very little access to this significant and lovely island. One must obtain a specific certification from the Department of Conservation in order to visit Little Barrier Island. You will then be able to board a vehicle that has been authorised to transport you to the island. The island known as “Little Barrier” is 80 km north of Auckland. It is the ideal location for bird-watching, diving, and snorkelling.
Location: This island is 22 km from Cape Rodney
Best Time To Visit: October to April
5. D’Urville Island
Photo: LawrieM / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This island bears the name of Jules Dumont d’Urville, a French explorer. The eighth largest island in New Zealand is D’Urville Island. Activities including diving, snorkelling, walking, observing marine life, and cycling are available on this island. The primary attraction of the island is its inherent remoteness. This lovely island offers plenty of paths for bicyclists and walkers to enjoy. d’Urville Island promises a unique experience among all the islands near New Zealand.
Location: D’Urville Island, south island of New Zealand
Best Time To Visit: December to April
6. Fiji Island
Photo: Christian Haugen / Wikimedia Commons
Fiji is a Melanesian nation in the South Pacific Ocean with more than 330 islands, palm-lined beaches, and flourishing coral reefs. Fiji has excellent tourism infrastructure, even though it is a costly place to visit. Fiji’s aquatic life, adventure sports, and Indo-Fijian cuisine are all highly praised. The islands are portrayed as the ideal location for a romantic retreat. Travelling by air from New Zealand to Fiji takes three hours. It is easier to access Fiji from Australia by boat thanks to the Australian shore link.
Location: This island is located in Oceania in the South Pacific Ocean
Best Time To Visit: May to October
7. Rangitoto Island
Photo: Matt Boulton / Wikimedia Commons
Rangitoto, an island close to New Zealand, is one of Auckland’s most recognisable features and a popular spot for hikers and day trippers these days. It is the youngest volcano in New Zealand, having risen from the ocean six hundred years ago. You can reach the summit of this breathtaking volcanic island location after about an hour of driving through the volcanic landscapes. You may reach the island by ferry boat from Downtown Auckland, which takes twenty minutes. You have two options for getting to the top: hike up or take the four-wheel drive road train. There is a breathtaking 360-degree vista at the summit.
Location: It is located in the Hauraki Gulf close to Auckland
Best Time To Visit: November to April
8. Poor Knight Islands
Photo: Pseudopanax / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The island has an extremely rich flora and fauna. The poor Knight Islands are a stunning system of underwater caverns, tunnels, arches, and cliffs that were formed by the remains of several ancient volcanoes. These stunning and remarkable islands are located on the North Island’s Tutukaka coast. Snorkelling and diving are popular activities on these islands. Additionally, these islands are marine reserves. Excellent sunsets and sunrises can be witnessed from the Poor Knight Islands.
Location: The island is 23 km off New Zealand
Best Time To Visit: October to April
9. Enderby Island
Photo: Kimberley Collins / Wikimedia Commons
The Auckland archipelago’s northern region is home to Enderby Island. The island’s wildlife is well-known. You will love observing the common seabird species, such as the Auckland teal, Auckland shag, and Auckland snipe, while you are on this lovely island. Yellow-eyed penguins, northern giant petrels, and sea lions can all be found on Enderby Island. Therefore, you must go to Enderby Island if you wish to see these stunning animals.
Location: It is in the Auckland islands
Best Time To Visit: December to February
10. White Island
Photo: Pseudopanax / Wikimedia Commons
Seeing an active volcano is a must-do while visiting New Zealand. Whakaari, often known as White Island, is the only active volcano in New Zealand. This island is located 48 kilometres from the North Island’s east coast in the “Bay of Plenty.” Both tourists and scientists are drawn to this island. The island’s surrounding ocean and geothermal beauty are two of its most striking features. The local aquatic life and the underwater steam apertures will be visible to you.
Location: It is located in the Bay of Plenty 50 km offshore North island
Best Time To Visit: November to April
New Zealand is renowned for its picturesque scenery and attractiveness. Islands near New Zealand, there are about 600 tiny, stunning islands. Gather your belongings, pack your bags, board a plane, and travel to these stunning islands close to New Zealand. When visiting New Zealand, you can explore a lot more of these tourist islands. Book your trip with TripXL with everything you want for a memorable and hassle free trip.
Cover Photo: Sébastien Goldberg / Unsplash
