Saddle Island (Te Haupa)

• 3 kilometres east of Mahurangi.
• Named after Te Haupa, an important Ngati Paoa chief, this small islet has a long, beautiful beach on its western side and is a favourite picnic spot as it's only a short run from the Mahurangi Peninsula and the Wenderholm Reserve. An unmarked reef runs 500 metres to the north of the island between Mahurangi's northern entrance and the island. The reef kicks up a nice wave on an easterly swell and the island is now a popular destination for water and jet skiers. Take care not to disturb the burrows or nesting shearwaters when you're on the island.
• The book "Exploring The Hauraki Gulf" contains this and more information about the history and wildlife of the Gulf as well as images and maps.

The island was the site of a battle between shark fishing parties iaround 1790. Legend says that Ngati Whatua started the battle when the son of one of their paramount chiefs insulted Te Haupa by naming a shark after him.