About
Rotoroa Island
Just over an hour from Auckland, discover and celebrate the beautiful island of restoration—Rotoroa Island.
Under the care of The Salvation Army, Rotoroa Island operated as the first and longest-running addiction treatment centre in Aotearoa, serving over 12,000 people seeking rehabilitation and recovery.
Today, Rotoroa Island is a flourishing wildlife sanctuary and a place of learning, discovery and connection with nature, thanks to the incredible work of the Rotoroa Island Trust.
Join us on 14 March 2026 to and celebrate a remarkable story of resilience, restoration and second chances. There’ll be lots of things to see and do for all ages with plenty of time to explore and relax!
What to expect on the day
Whether you’re an Aucklander, have lived on the island or have connection to its history, a boatie or a beach-lover, or want a fun day out in nature with others – March 14 will be a great day of free fun for you!
The day has a relaxed programme – if coming by ferry, you’ll be welcomed to the island and then the rest of the day is all opt-in activities or time to explore and relax!
Schedule:
11:00am Welcome at Home Bay
11:30am Guided Walks – depart from Home Bay kiosk
12:30-1:30pm Home Bay Hangout – sausage sizzle – live music – crafts – temporary tattoos
1:10-1.40pm ‘Stories of Restoration’ – in the Salisbury Lounge
1:50pm Salvation Army Bridge Moment – in the Chapel
2:30pm Guided Walks – depart from Home Bay kiosk
2:55pm Ferry departure
5:50pm Ferry departure
Plus…
Explore beautiful walks and beaches, visit the museum at the visitor centre, and enjoy the sports gear and lawn games available throughout the day.
Explore and relax
There are four incredible beaches to enjoy, self-guided walking tracks (maps provided), plenty of birdlife and native flora to discover, wide open spaces for sports and relaxing, and even a history museum.
There’ll be plenty to do… or you can do nothing at all!
Important information
Rotoroa Island is pest free – please keep this in mind. Clean shoes and other gear before coming to the island, and ensure food is in sealed container to keep pests out.
Read more on how to keep the Hauraki Gulf Islands pest free.
Getting there
By Ferry – Explore Group
Rotoroa Island is just over an hour by ferry, offered by Explore Group, with four sailings on 14 March 2026.
To the island
- 9.30am (arrives 10.45am)
- 11.30am (arrives 12.45pm)
Return to mainland
- 2.55pm (arrives 4.10pm)
- 5.50pm (arrives 7.05pm)
Explore Group has generously offered 35% discounted ferry tickets for those joining in Celebrate Rotoroa on 14 March. You can access the discounted rate by booking via the Explore website, selecting 14 March, and using the discount code: TSAROTOROA
By Personal Boat
Personal boats are welcome to access the island.
- A landing pass is required for all visitors
- Cost: $5 per adult, $3 per child
- Landing passes directly support Rotoroa Island’s conservation work
FAQs
How much does the event cost?
The day/event itself is free – all activities and facilities on the island will be free of charge! The only cost for the day is your personal transport costs (ferry) or landing pass, if coming by personal-boat.
How do I book to come?
To the island
- 9.30am (arrives 10.45am)
- 11.30am (arrives 12.45pm)
Return to mainland
- 2.55pm (arrives 4.10pm)
- 5.50pm (arrives 7.05pm)
Explore Group has generously offered discounted ferry tickets for those joining in Celebrate Rotoroa on 14 March. You can access the discounted rate by booking via the Explore website, selecting 14 March, and using the discount code: TSAROTOROA
Go to the Explore Group website for information about Explore ferries and to book your tickets.
Can I bring my boat or yacht to the island?
Personal boats are able to access the island and join us for the day! A landing pass is required for all visitors and directly supports Rotoroa Island’s conservation work. Landing passes are $5 per adult, $3 per child.
Find more information about bringing your personal boat to Rotoroa.
Are there food outlets onsite?
You will need to bring your own food and drinks to the island for the day (supplemented by the sausage sizzle, of course!), and take your rubbish back home with you. There is a small shop open for parts of the day with drinks and ice creams.
Food needs to be in sealed containers to keep pests out.
Read more on how to keep the Hauraki Gulf islands pest free.
What can I bring?
You are welcome to bring whatever you need for a great day out in nature, on a pest-free island. Think small sports gear, towels, beach gear, food, drinks, picnic rug, walking shoes, sunscreen. Just like going to your local beach for the day, with a few more precautions.
Who is the day for?
The day is for everyone! There will be plenty to do for all ages and interests – for those that like to get stuck into exploring and for those that like lounging at the beach, for those that like history or have Salvation Army connection, or for those with a keen interest in conservation.
A full schedule will be available soon – but check out the ‘what to expect’ section for a list of activities.
What facilities are there on the island?
The island has a range of facilities – water refill stations, multiple bathroom facilities, shared BBQs (that will be available for use outside of the sausage sizzle time), a small limited-hours shop (souvenirs, drinks, ice creams), covered seating area, a museum about the island, a ‘classroom’ where we will have the short talks, and a chapel.