Great Barrier Island

Introducing Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier (Aotea) is the largest island in the gulf (285 sq km) and NZ’s fourth-largest behind North, South and Stewart Islands. It’s rugged and scenic, resembling the Coromandel Peninsula to which it was once joined. Named by Captain James Cook, Great Barrier Island later became a whaling, mining and logging centre, but all these industries have had their day. Most of the island is publicly owned and managed by DOC.

Great Barrier has unspoilt beaches, hot springs, old kauri dams, a forest sanctuary and a network of tramping tracks. Because there are no possums on the island, the native bush is lush. The west coast has safe sandy beaches, while the east coast beaches are good for surfing. Mountain biking, swimming, fishing, diving, boating, kayaking and just relaxing are other popular activities.

Although only 88km from Auckland, Great Barrier seems a world – and a good many years – away. The island has no supermarket, no electricity supply (only private generators) and no main drainage (only septic tanks); most roads are unsealed; and petrol costs are high. Mobile-phone reception is very limited and there are no banks, ATMs or street lights. It’s a wild, untamed and very special place with its own unique character, and is a definite breath of fresh air.

From around mid-December to mid-January is the peak season, so make sure you book transport, accommodation and activities well in advance. A good place to start your planning is the Great Barrier Island Tourism Directory.

Last updated: Jan 18, 2010