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Island in New Zealand
Photo: AlasdairW, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Great Barrier Island (Māori name: Aotea) is in the outer Hauraki Gulf in northern New Zealand. It lies east of the Northland Peninsula and directly north of Coromandel Peninsula. It is 90 km north-east of central Auckland. It is the 4th largest island in the main New Zealand archipelago and has a population of nearly 1,000. Largely covered in regenerating native forest, with some rare native species, a network of hiking trails across the island and beautiful beaches and inlets, it attracts those who enjoy the outdoors, whether hiking, swimming, surfing or enjoying the natural environment. You can get there by plane, sea ferry or private boat.
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A forest and wildlife reserve surrounded by a predator-proof fence. Walk the 2-km Glenfern Loop Track through remnant, regenerating and replanted forest, with wide views of the Hauraki Gulf and the bird life. A highlight is a climb up into the crown of a mature kauri tree. You can also visit the manicured grounds surrounding the accommodation, including the 1901 Fitzroy House. 2 houses to rent (from $250 per night).
Run by a hobbyist, but it has interesting exhibits about the history of the island. The 3 room Wiltshire Manor Backpackers is on the same site.
There's not a lot to see in Okiwi, but this is a lovely park with grassed areas, large native trees, a lovely stream, artworks by children illustrating the flora and fauna, a gas barbeque, a cycling trail for children and a toilet at the Mabey Rd end. Great place for a picnic or a 30-minute wander.
Museum in an old house giving island history and an art gallery showing works by local artists, with a small gift shop.
One of the top surf beaches.
You can walk down from the campground (where the locals camp) either on the right side of the creek, over the bridge and through the paddock, without getting your feet wet, or on the left side, crossing the creek twice.
Will you love the combo of dark mountains looming in the background of this sparkly white beach? Spot mermaid pools in the rocks at the southern end. Has consistent surf.
If you like solitude, this could be just the ticket. It is one of the busier beaches, but many visitors are lucky enough not to see another soul during the good hour it takes to walk from one end of the beach to the other. If you want a shorter walk, drive to the northern end of the road, cut through the dunes and walk north to the creek, beyond which is the Sugarloaf. Spot the blowhole in the rocks. Even shorter is a hop over the dunes in the middle, taking a look at Memory Rock, or climbing up if you are nimble footed, and having a look at the mermaid pool on the seaward side (low tide). Has reliable surf conditions.
A lovely west-coast beach where there's often dolphins close to shore. There’s a public BBQ – bring your own meat and drinks for an epic sunset. Generally not a surfing beach.
Hammerhead sharks can sometimes be spotted, usually from the plane.
A long sandy beach. Graves from the Wairarapa shipwreck of 1894 are at the northern end of the beach, and there are some interesting rock pits approx. 500 m south of the dune crossing.
This island is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Good Heavens guides will take you on a whirlwind tour of the universe. Also offers 3 night Great Barrier packages with accommodation and car rental.
Japanese "forest bathing" with Vicky Kyan
Tours of 2-4 hours on the back of a trike, which carries two passengers.
About 5 hr one-way. Hitch or book a transport to get you to the start of the track.
A hike with beautiful views into bays, including old Maori pa site. The last bit of the track is very steep downhill. About 1 hr long.
An easy and attractive walk 30-45 min one way from Whangaparapara Rd to the main pool, where there are seats, a picnic table and a toilet. Five minutes further upstream there are more pools, which are hotter. Take care – they can be quite hot.
Walk from the top of Rosalie Bay to the Medlands Beach. About 1½ hr one way, mostly downhill.
Hirakimatā
The island's highest point at 621 m. There's 360-degree views at the top. On a clear day it offers spectacular views ranging from the Mercury Islands to the Poor Knights Islands, and the Hauraki Gulf. Take a 4–5 hr return hike to the top via Windy Canyon (itself an attraction) and Palmer's Track. You can also take a slightly longer route from Kaiaraara (3–3½ hr one way), or a much longer one via the Kaitoke Hot Springs Track and Peach Tree Track (5 hr one way).
Check if this track in Port FitzRoy is really for old ladies. An hour each way.
3-hr round trip to the 402-m peak at the southern end of the island.
Great views for a relatively short climb. 20 min each way.
White Cliffs
A track runs between Blind Bay Rd and Whangaparapara Rd, with a side track to the 398-m summit. It's 30 minutes from either end to the junction and another 30 to the summit. Nice aerobic walk (gradual descent/ascent). 360-degree view at the top.
Take a 20-min hike up the steps for amazing views, both north over the Okiwi Basin and south over the coast all the way to Medlands Beach. Perhaps the best short walk on the island.
Breakfast, lunch and takeaways, groceries and fuel. Menu includes both Thai and NZ dishes.
Breakfast and lunch service of sandwiches, pies and cakes.
Restaurant and bar.
Sports include rugby, tennis and table tennis.
Brunch ($20-40), coffee and ice cream in the mornings. Pizza (Margherita $24) evenings twice per week.
Pub with accommodation, restaurant (mains $20-40) and takeaway food.
Well stocked shop where you can buy your wine or beer. Stocks Island Gin.
Off-grid brewery. Bring your own bottle.The Good Neighbours Food truck may be here during the summer, offering South American food Tu-Su noon-6PM.
Event centre with accommodation for 33.
Dorm beds, private rooms and self-contained villas. Ducks range free, so remember to close the door. Less than 10 min walk to the beach. Self catering kitchen with fridge, gas stove and microwave. Well run hostel with friendly owners.
Backpacker hostel. A little rough and ready, but a good setup in a great location. Has a fully licensed bar & a restaurant serving delicious pizzas and steaks – bookings essential.
Mostly 4-berth units, with one double only and a 6-berth cottage. Restaurant and bar are open Fridays only with a limited menu.
DoC run campsite for tents and campervans. The site is next the beach, and has 60 non-powered sites. Booking is essential. There are toilets, cold showers and a cooking shelter. As elsewhere on the island there are no bins. There are 5 other DoC campsites and two huts on the island.
DoC run cottage for exclusive use sleeping 6. Minimum 3 night stay. In the 30 pitch Akapoua Bay Campsite.
Groceries and fuel. Handy when you're in Claris, but Stonewall Store in Tryphena is cheaper and has a bigger range of stock.
Health and Beauty shop, with pharmacist onsite M-W all year and M-F in January. Also offers mountain bike hire.
Groceries and fuel.
The biggest grocery store on the island, though small by big town standards.
There is no public transport service. You can hire a vehicle or use one of the shuttle services that operate around the island. It is best to book shuttles before you arrive – in summer it's essential.
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Auckland · International · AKL
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