Islands of the Hauraki Gulf

The islands of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana have been desirable places to settle for both Māori and Pākehā. The islands are referred to as Ngā Pōito-o-Te Kupenga O Taramainuku - the floats of the net of Taramainuku.

The gulf is a place of work and to relax and enjoy the natural world. Generations of people have visited the many wonderful islands of the Hauraki Gulf for picnicking, holidays, water sports, fishing, farming and hunting. These activities were having a devastating effect on the environment. But impressive progress has been made. Armies of volunteers and workers have transformed Tiritiri Matangi, Motutapu, Motuihe and Rotoroa islands from degraded, pest-ridden pasturelands to lush indigenous forest areas where endangered birds and other species are now flourishing, right on the doorstep of Auckland city.

This Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections exhibition explores the islands of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana through rare books, maps and manuscripts, photographs and oral histories.