Great Barrier

Great Barrier is an enchanted island of perfect peace, solitude, wild beauty and warm hospitality - just the place for the holiday of your dreams.

Long white sand beaches and unspoiled forest paths lie deserted, awaiting the traveller seeking a peaceful retreat completely separated from the trappings of modern life. A serene world of wide open spaces and leisurely living with no high rises, choked highways or crowded shopping malls - a world on its own.

The largest island in the Hauraki Gulf is just a 30 minute flight or a two hour ferry ride from Auckland. The residents live in picturesque coastal villages relying on diesel generators and private water tanks.

If that seems like a step back in time to a primitive existence, well there is good news. The rewards for the visitor are; a maritime climate where the air is pure, bush walks where you hear only birds, secluded beaches where you can feel the silence, surf breaks that are perfect to ride, and tramping tracks with natural hot springs supplied. All this, plus a full range of superior and budget accommodation with all amenities.

The fast ferries from Auckland arrive first at Tryphena and proceed to Whangaparapara and Port Fitzroy, where there is access to the Great Barrier Forest. The airport is located at Claris on the east side near to the Medlands and Awana Bay surf beaches. There are no banks but several businesses have EFTPOS facilities.

The island is criss-crossed by roads and walking tracks which connect the sandy beaches on the east coast with the sheltered harbours in the west. A variety of shuttle services operate daily and taxis, tours and rental cars are available.

Local guides can assist you with diving and fishing trips, sea kayaking, yacht and powerboat charters, windsurfing, tramping and horse riding.

Over 60% of the island is protected as conservation estate and there are unlimited opportunities for tramping. The most popular challenge is to climb to the summit of Mt. Hobson for the best panoramic view of the Gulf.

This special world is just waiting to be enjoyed.