Historic island opens after 100 years

An island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, closed to the public for almost 100 years and harbouring a fascinating history has re-opened providing boaties and day-trippers with a unique destination.

Rotoroa Island, on the eastern end of Waiheke Island and just over an hour’s ferry ride from downtown Auckland, is the Hauraki Gulf’s newest tourist attraction offering a rare mix of conservation, history, arts and nature.

Owned by the Salvation Army and run as a rehabilitation facility for the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction since 1911, Rotoroa has been leased by some generous local benefactors who have instigated a major restoration project.

Easy access 

The 82ha (200 acres) island has pristine beaches, gentle rolling countryside, dramatic views and is easily accessible.

Rotoroa re-opend on 27 February and visitors can now moor off the island and go ashore or catch a ferry from Auckland city to picnic, swim and walk around the island and absorb its intriguing history.

Auckland philanthropists Neal and Annette Plowman negotiated a 99 year lease from the Salvation Army and set up the Rotoroa Island Trust in a generous gesture that has made the restoration possible.

The redevelopment programme has included clearing 20,000 pine trees and planting 300,000 natives, most sourced from local seed. A further 80,000 native trees will be planted this year and eventually it is hoped that 60% of the island will be re-vegetated.

Predator-free promise 

No animals will be allowed and the island is on track to becoming predator-free. Once this is achieved, threatened birds will be reintroduced, including kiwi.

A newly-cut walking track circles the island and has several vantage points including a summit from where it’s possible to see the entire island and its many clear bays and beaches.

Where possible the island’s heritage has been captured and the original jail, chapel, schoolhouse and cemetery have all been retained.

A new woolshed-style visitors’ centre, designed by award-winning New Zealand architect Rick Pearson, has been developed in Home Bay. As well as housing a permanent exhibition of the island’s history, the centre also has a separate exhibition space for the temporary installation of art works and displays that give an insight into the future vision for the island.

Salvation Army 

There are numerous physical reminders of the island’s days as a Salvation Army rehab centre - which opened as a home for the care of male "inebriates" in 1911 and became New Zealand’s first and longest-running alcohol and drug addiction centre, treating more than 12,000 New Zealanders before it closed in 2005.

As well as the school house, jail and chapel, original facilities included wood and metal workshops, an infirmary, dormitories and recreations rooms. There was a working farm plus extensive vegetable gardens making the island largely self-sufficient.

The patients’ accommodation blocks have been demolished but some staff houses have been kept and will be refurbished for short-stay rental.

The Trust also plans to sell some lifestyle blocks on a Licence to Occupy basis to help support the island.

Art Island 

A large sculpture by artist Chris Booth will be installed on the island’s southern headland and future plans for Rotoroa include the development of an arts residency programme.

One of the island’s trustees and project leader is John Gow who developed Connells Bay Sculpture Park on Waiheke Island, directly opposite Rotoroa.

With four beautiful beaches - Ladies Bay, Mens Bay, Cable Bay and Mai Mai Bay - and the added attraction of a colourful history, The Trust hopes Rotoroa will become a tourist attraction like nearby Tiri Tiri Matangi Island, now a successful wildlife sanctuary.

Hauraki Gulf islands 

A number of conservation projects are underway on other Hauraki Gulf Islands and visitors who take the 360 Discovery ferry to Rotoroa from Downtown Auckland will enjoy a picturesque ride past Rangitoto, Motutapu, Motuihe and Waiheke.

There are no food outlets on Rotoroa and until recently alcohol was illegal. While visitors will now be able to take their own as part of a picnic, a ban on the sale of alcohol on the island, remains. Camping is also prohibited.

Ferries will run four times a week to Rotoroa - on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.