Great Barrier Island - North Island, New Zealand

Great Barrier lies 90km northeast of Auckland and resides on the outer fringes of the Hauraki Gulf. It is the largest island in the gulf and is rugged and sparsely populated. Most of the island is publicly owned and managed by the Department of Conservation.

Although only a 2 hour ferry ride and 30 minute plane ride from Auckland, it is a world apart. There is no mains electricity (only generators), no water mains (tank water), no towns to speak of, most roads are unsealed and mobile phone reception is very limited.

It is an isolated and untamed island but a very special and peaceful place to visit. Great Barrier has miles of unspoilt beaches, hot springs, lush deep "virgin" forests all with a network of tramping tracks. The east coast is ideal for surfing and the west coast has safe sandy beaches.

Ferries arrive in Tryphena, the southern harbour which is also the main settlement on the island. It consists of a small community of houses, a school, a few shops and accommodation close to the harbour.

Some ferries continue up the west coast to Port Fitzroy, which is an ideal place for trampers to start tramps in the Great Barrier Forest. Claris in the east is where the main airport is, plus the visitors centre and a few shops. It is also close to the best beaches Medlands and Awana Bay.

Eating and drinking on the island is generally limited to accommodation places that offer meals, although there are a few restaurants around the island. You can get snacks in the various shops and many accommodation places have self catering. Drinking takes place in the social clubs at Tryphena and Claris, plus some of the restaurants.

Great Barrier Island Transportation

You can get to the island by Fullers Ferry, a car ferry or light aircraft. Getting around the island is limited to a bus service, rental car or mountain bike rentals.

Great Barrier Island Accommodation

Great Barrier has a wide range of accommodation to suit most travellers. There are plenty of backpackers hostels and campsites, cottages and B&B's plus more than 50 lodges, ranging from self catering to high end full service lodges. Prices can be steep in summer but rates drop outside the peak period.

Great Barrier Island Activities

With its many beaches Great Barrier offers safe swimming and great waves for surfers. Beaches on the west coast are safe but care needs to be taken on the east coast. The best surf beaches are Okiwi Bar and Awana. Medlands Beach is considered one of the best beaches on the island but care needs to be taken swimming.

Tryphena Bay, lined with pohutukawa trees, has sheltered beaches. Beaches can be toured on horseback on a guided beach ride or you can get out on the water in a guided or free paddle sea kayak.

With more than 33 meters of underwater visibility at some times of the year, shipwrecks and an abundant sea life, Great Barrier is a favourite spot for divers. It is also a haven for fishing either off a boat or flycasting off the rocks. There are a few dive charter companies who sell and hire out snorkelling and dive gear, plus a surfcasting safari operator.

Mountainbiking is very popular. Hire a bike and ride along unsealed roads, forest tracks and view the rugged scenery.

Many people come here for the walks of which there are many. The best tramping trails are in the Great Barrier Forest where there has been a lot of reforestation. Walks range from 15 minutes to day long treks but most will deliver stunning views and lush forests with native flora.

LooknbookNZ can take care of your Great Barrier Island accommodation and Great Barrier Island activities bookings to ensure you and your family/friends have a fantastic travel and adventure experience on the mind blowing Great Barrier Island.