The Hauraki Gulf is a large, island-studded body of water east and north of Auckland, sheltered from the Pacific swell by Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula. It offers many anchorages within a day's sail, but can become rough quickly in strong winds.
The Hauraki Gulf lies between the Auckland mainland, the Coromandel Peninsula to the east and Great Barrier Island (Aotea) to the north-east. Much of it is protected as the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Great Barrier and the Coromandel shield the inner Gulf from most of the Pacific Ocean swell, so the sea is usually much smaller than on the open coast.
Destinations. The inner Gulf islands, such as Rangitoto, Motutapu, Motuihe and Waiheke, are within a few hours' sail of the city, and Waiheke in particular has many bays used as anchorages. Further out, Kawau Island to the north and Great Barrier Island are classic longer cruising destinations, often visited over several days. Tiritiri Matangi and several other islands are pest-free sanctuaries, with rules to protect them.
Conditions to plan for.
- A short, steep sea builds quickly in a fresh breeze, particularly with wind against tide in channels between islands, such as the Tamaki Strait between Waiheke and the mainland.
- The tidal streams run strongly through the passages between islands and around headlands.
- Fronts can bring a sudden change in wind direction and strength, which can turn a sheltered anchorage into an exposed one.
- Marine farms, marked by yellow buoys, are found in parts of the Gulf, and their lines are a hazard to keels and propellers.
- Ships use the main approaches to Auckland, so keep a lookout for them in the outer Gulf as well as the harbour.
- Further from the city, help is further away, so you need reliable means of calling for it, including a VHF radio.
Wildlife. The Gulf is home to dolphins, seabirds and Bryde's whales. If you see whales or dolphins, slow down, keep your distance, and do not drive the boat towards them or into the middle of a group.
Check the marine forecast for the Gulf, not just Auckland, and choose an anchorage sheltered from the expected wind, with a second option if it changes.
More in the book: Chapter 9, Anchoring and moorings