Hen and Chicken Islands, New Zealand

The Hen and Chickens Islands (usually simply known as the Hen and Chickens) lie to the east of the North Auckland Peninsula off the coast of northern New Zealand. They are located 12 kilometres to the east of Bream Head and 40 kilometres southeast of Whangarei.

Taranga Island (The Hen) is the largest island of the group. It has a conspicuous double peak at its highest point named The Pinnacles. The water around this island is very deep along with the sides of the island being very steep.

Marotiri Islands (The Chickens) consists of four separate islands lying east to west of each other and to the north of Taranga Island. All these islands are wildlife sanctuaries and require permission to land on.

Things to See and Do

* Whangarei
* Diving
* Wineries
* Big Game Fishing

General information

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency - New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Language – English, Maori
Land Area – 4.7 km² (Taranga Island)
Population – 50,000 approx (Whangarei)
Electricity – 2 round pins European style, two parallel flat pins Japanese style
Time - GMT plus 12 hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 64

Port Location – Anchorage and landing (with permission) is possible at Witches Cove, Taranga Island. Starfish bay is available for anchorage at the Marotiri Islands.

Transport Links – Whangarei Airport (WRE) is about ten minutes drive from the central city in the suburb of Onerahi. Taxis and a shuttle servic as well as car rentals, are available from the airport to town.

Air New Zealand has several daily flights from Auckland and Wellington. Flying time from Auckland is 30 to 40 minutes. Great Barrier Airlines runs flights twice weekly from Whangarei to Great Barrier Island depending on minimum passenger numbers.

Northliner runs buses from Auckland to Kataia with a stop in Whangarei. Travel time is just under three hours. InterCity Coachlines runs the same route as the Northliner but has a more frequent schedule, as well as connections to the rest of the country.