Pakatoa Island, Private island in Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand
Pakatoa Island is a 24-hectare private property in the Hauraki Gulf near Waiheke that rises to 56 meters above sea level. It features multiple beaches on its eastern and northern shores, connected by sealed roads and served by a modern wharf with accommodation ranging from beachside cabins to self-contained units.
The island began its use in the early 1900s as a treatment facility run by the Salvation Army. It later became a resort destination and has changed ownership and purpose multiple times through the decades.
The island reflects its changing purposes over generations, with traces of its various communities still visible in how the space is organized today. Visitors can observe how the layout adapts to accommodate gatherings and recreation for those who come here.
Access to the island is by boat only, with a modern wharf serving as the landing point. Visitors should prepare for changing weather conditions since the island sits exposed in open water.
The actor Russell Crowe worked on the island during his youth when it operated as a resort. This moment from his early career connects the island to an internationally recognized figure.
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