Where are the Mokohinau Islands?

Sitting 50 km northeast of Auckland in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, the Mokohinau Islands feel like a hidden world all on their own. Rugged cliffs, sparkling turquoise waters, and birdlife in every direction, this volcanic island group is both dramatic and beautiful. The best part? Because of their remote location, very few people make it out here.

That means no crowds. No busy dive moorings. Just you, the ocean, and some of the best underwater exploration in New Zealand.

We can land on the Burgess Island group and hike up to the lighthouse. All the other islands are land reserves, so unfortunately, there is no landing.

Diving the Mokes

If you’re a diver, the Mokohinau Islands deliver in every way:

• Crystal-clear visibility, 20 to 30 metres on a good day.
• Steep walls and pinnacles covered in sponges, anemones, and colourful reef life.
• Big fish encounters, schools of trevally, kahawai, snapper, and kingfish patrol the currents.
• Seasonal visitors, keep an eye out for bronze whalers, manta rays, and even orcas cruising past.
• Kelp forests and caves for those who love structure and exploration.

It’s the perfect mix of adventure and accessibility: dramatic dive sites without the long ocean crossings of some offshore destinations.

Not just for divers

The Mokohinau Islands are also a dream for:

• Freedivers and snorkellers, thanks to warm currents and rich marine life close to the surface.
• Sightseers and photographers, think towering sea cliffs, hidden coves, and huge seabird colonies (the islands are a sanctuary for rare species like the tūturuatu/New Zealand storm petrel).
• Adventure seekers, simply arriving here feels like an expedition.

A journey back in time

Stepping foot (or fin) into the Mokohinau Islands is like travelling back to a wilder New Zealand. No shops. No cellphone reception. No marinas. Just raw ocean, volcanic rock, and an ecosystem thriving the way nature intended.

It’s also a place with cultural and historic significance, from traditional Māori navigation routes to the old lighthouse that still stands sentinel on Burgess Island.

Why we love taking visitors here

The Mokohinau Islands are one of those rare places where adventure and peace coexist. We love watching people’s faces light up when they see the clarity of the water for the first time or surface from a dive surrounded by schools of kingfish.

For us, it’s not just about diving, it’s about creating those moments of connection with nature that last a lifetime.

Plan your adventure

Whether you’re a scuba diver, freediver, spearo, or simply want a sightseeing experience you’ll never forget, the Mokohinau Islands deliver something extraordinary.

Our charters run to the Mokes for those ready to trade the ordinary for the unforgettable. Bring your spirit of adventure, and we’ll handle the rest.