cRUISING THE HAURAKI GULF
A playground of islands, sheltered anchorages, and world-class boating
The Hauraki Gulf is one of the great cruising grounds of the Southern Hemisphere… compact, diverse, and perfectly suited to Riviera Motor Yachts. From sheltered island bays to barefoot beaches and vibrant island villages, the Gulf rewards both relaxed weekends and extended explorations.
Cruising Notes at a Glance
- Best season: October to April
- Prevailing winds: SW–NE; always plan anchorages with wind shifts in mind
- Holding: Generally good sand or mud, ideal for confident anchoring
- Distances: Short hops make it perfect for flexible itineraries
- Etiquette: Many bays are shared with swimmers, paddleboarders, and wildlife. Slow speeds and respect go a long way
Must-Visit Islands & Anchorages
Waiheke Island – Sophisticated & Scenic
A firm favourite for Riviera owners, Waiheke blends sheltered anchorages with great dining and vineyards.
Oneroa and Owhanake Bays with their proximity to Oneroa village provide good walking distance access to shore supplies – 15-20 minutes. Cafe’s Restaurants, Wine Tasting are examples, together with essential supplies like Ice, Bread and Milk.
Oneroa has a number of Art Galleries and Gift shops – the scheduled AT bus service from Matiatia runs right through the village centre starting from outside the terminal building. There are 4 AT bus routes and all routes allow stops in Oneroa.
Services at Matiatia’s ‘Old Wharf’
Pier 4, the public & small charter boat jetty is located on the Northern side of the wharves.
- Dinghy tie-up is only on the inside edge of the Jetty
- Water/Fire Hose is available at the on the Northern side, floating jetty.
- The Diesel fuel installation has been removed
- There are no Petrol supplies or a Holding tank pump-out facility.
- There is a small rubbish bin and recycling bin on the left as you walk ashore along the gangway – just past the scooter area
- There is a public pick-up & drop-off pontoon on the Northern side with a maximum stay of 10 minutes.
- Please keep the working face of this pontoon clear of dinghy’s at all times. Small commercial charter operators also use this pontoon and have priority for pick-ups & drop-offs.
- The Southern side of the old wharf (pier 3) is currently being used by Commercial Ferry’s whilst Pier 2 (currently closed) is being refurbished. Pier 3 is used by Fullers360 and Island Direct for services to Auckland CBD at Pier 12.
- Pier 1 is used by the scheduled walk-up passenger Ferries operated by Fullers360.
Services ashore at Matiatia;
On the main wharf, there are Bathrooms, Coffee, Bike Hire, Fullers360 ticket office, a Fullers360 ticket vending machine, Rental Car offices, an ATM machine, an AT Hop card machine and a Visitor Information kiosk (un-staffed).
The timetabled AT Bus service operates from outside the main doors with a network to all the villages and East as far as Onetangi Bay.
Taxis and Shuttles operate from the start of the main carpark – this area is to the right when walking from the terminal.
The is a Coastguard Vessel stationed on Waiheke at the Matiatia wharf.
The BP Service station in Oneroa is a short taxi ride away for small fuel top-ups.
Kennedy Point Wharf
Car ferry terminal, boat ramp with floating pontoon – there is a Coffee cart (opens for the morning Ferry travellers) located outside of the Sealink Offices & bathrooms – there are no stores, water, or fuel, at Kennedy Point.
Waiheke Marina opened in 2024 – there are bookable visitor berths available, with water, rental cars and pump out facilities here. A Cafe opened in late 2025. Contact the marina office – details here
Orapiu Wharf
More suited to large passenger ferries, water is available from a tap on the wharf – when wet the stairway is often slippery and there is no floating jetty here.
Man O’War Bay Jetty
Man O’War Vineyard have a floating Jetty on the right hand side of the bay when enetering This is used by a scheduled commercial ferry service and their vinyard operations vessels though is available for public drop-off and pick-ups when accessing the Restaurant and Zipline ashore. There is a smaller dinghy tie-up platform here as well.
Recycling & Rubbish barge
Dec 2025 – Auckland Council have provided a seasonal floating recycyling and rubbiish barge near Man O’War Bay for visiting boats- this allows along-side tieing up to access wheelie-bins. It is located towards the right hand side when heading towards the bay from the North or East.
Exotic Caulerpa Seaweed – avoid the spread
In August 2023 a rahui was placed by Ngāti Pāoa covering an area including Onetangi bay & Palm Beach to caution against any contact with the sea floor. In October 2024 a Controlled Area Notice was issued by MPI and remains in place for the 2025/2026 season at least Please respect this and avoid contact with the sea floor in this high risk area.
If you see it, Bag it, Bin it, and report it.
Shellfish closure
Waiheke is closed for gathering of Scallops, Mussells, Crayfish and Paua to allow them to recover – Ngāti Pāoa have a rāhui in place and Fisheries NZ have reinforced this with a section 186A closure.
Top Anchorages
- Man O’ War Bay – Excellent holding, well protected, winery ashore
- Oneroa Bay – Lively and convenient for village access (fair-weather anchorage)
- Putiki Bay – Quieter, great holding, lovely beach walks
Why stop: Wine estates, beach cafés, provisioning, and easy access from Auckland.
Motuihe Island – Easy Escape
Just a short cruise from the city, Motuihe offers clear water and relaxed overnighting.
Anchorages
- South side bays – Good shelter in light northerlies
- East Bay – Popular for swimming and paddleboarding
Why stop: Calm waters, sandy beaches, perfect for a spontaneous overnight cruise.
Motutapu Island – History & Space
Wide open, peaceful, and surprisingly sheltered.
Best Anchorage
- Home Bay – Excellent protection in most conditions and good holding
Why stop: Room to breathe, historic sites ashore, and stunning city-to-sea views.
Rangitoto Island – Iconic & Volcanic
A dramatic backdrop for a relaxed overnight stay.
Best Anchorage
- Islington Bay – Sheltered, popular, and ideal for an early morning summit walk
Why stop: Auckland’s most iconic island, great walking tracks, and calm evening anchorages.
Rakino Island – Quiet & Underrated
A local secret with reliable shelter.
Best Anchorage
- West Bay – Excellent holding and protection from easterlies
Why stop: Peaceful nights, great swimming, and less traffic than neighbouring islands.
Rotoroa Island – Refined & Relaxed
A beautifully restored island with clear water and walking trails.
Anchorages
- North-west bays – Good in settled conditions
Why stop: Conservation focus, tranquil beaches, and crystal-clear swimming.
Further Afield Favourites
Kawau Island – Classic Kiwi Cruising
A longer run, but well worth it.
Best Anchorage
- Bon Accord Harbour – Large, sheltered, and social
Why stop: Historic Mansion House, calm waters, and classic Gulf cruising atmosphere.
Great Barrier Island – For the Adventurous
Remote, rewarding, and spectacular.
Top Anchorages
- Port FitzRoy – Exceptional shelter, multiple bays to explore
- Whangaparapara Harbour – Historic and well protected
Why stop: Untouched landscapes, hot springs, fishing, and true escape cruising.
Best Beaches for Riviera Owners
- Oneroa Beach (Waiheke) – Easy tender access, cafés ashore
- Home Bay Beach (Motutapu) – Long, sandy, and uncrowded
- Islington Bay (Rangitoto) – Calm waters, ideal for swimming
- Medlands Beach (Great Barrier) – Stunning and wild (weather dependent)
Riviera Cruising Tips
- Anchor with room: many bays are shared, especially in summer
- Use tenders often—many beaches and villages are best accessed ashore
- Early starts and golden-hour arrivals reward you with calmer anchorages
- Always check forecasts—conditions can vary significantly across the Gulf
The Hauraki Gulf is made for Riviera cruising: short passages, safe anchorages, and endless variety. Whether it’s a sunset at anchor off Waiheke or a multi-day escape to Great Barrier, every trip promises comfort, adventure, and memorable time on the water.
