Discover Rakino Island

Surrounded by crystal clear blue waters, it provides captivating views that sweep all the way to the Coromandel, Great Barrier, Waiheke and back to Auckland City. Yachts enjoy anchoring in Woody, Pohutukawa, Home, Sandy and West Bays and are home to approximately 16 permanent residents.

This small island has its fair share of history, and it’s here that Sir George Grey Governor of New Zealand built his home in 1862, before being lured to Kawau Island. Governor Grey then leased the island to Albert Sanford (one of the founders of the Auckland commercial fishing fleet) and he and his family lived here for close to 80 years.

From the moment you set foot on Rakino, you enter a relaxed world of tranquillity where time has stood still. There are many public bays and beaches around the island where you will find shade under the coastal Pohutukawa. The public wharf is located at the southern end of Sandy Bay and the car ferry access ramp is at the western end of Sanford Way in Home Bay.

View location of Rakino Island

Popular activities include fishing, swimming, snorkelling, diving and walking. There are no shops or electricity (there is solar power though), so the whole island is off-grid. While on the island check out the world's first solar-powered telephone which is still in use and allows local free calling to Auckland.

Life really is laid-back on Rakino Island...