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Home »New Zealand Travel »Scenic Highlights »Island Highlights »Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island, the Final Frontier

Great Barrier Island is largest island off the North Island coast. Located in the Hauraki Gulf in the Auckland region, Great Barrier Island enjoys unspoiled beaches, native bushland and is home to several unique plant and bird species. More than 60 percent of Great Barrier Island's 285 square kilometres is public land administered by the Department of Conservation.

Image Source: Great Barrier Island Tourism Directory. Port FitzRoy looking out to Nagle Cove, Great Barrier Island, New Zealand

Port FitzRoy looking out to Nagle Cove
Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
Photographer: Kay Stowell
(www.thebarrier.co.nz)

The kind of rugged untouched beauty that you'll see here is getting harder and harder to find on this planet. The native bush is laced with walking tracks, which lead to secluded natural hot springs and historic Kauri dams.

Rising 627 metres above the sea, Hirakimata (Mount Hobson) beckons the hiker with a promise of views that will never leave the mind.

Great Barrier Island provides spectacular day walks with a range of short walking tracks and longer routes, several campsites, a hut, mountain bike routes, and many natural and historic features to explore.

Activities on the island also include:

Diving
Coastal and forest walks
Wildlife
Thermal springs
Mountain biking
Snorkelling
Camping
Historic sites
Hunting (by permit)
Boating
Swimming
Surfing
Fishing
Kayaking

Approximately 850 people live on Great Barrier Island, and there are a number of small settlements with shops and accommodation. Daily scheduled flights are also available.

» Great Barrier Island Travel Directory

» Auckland Regional Information

» Auckland Travel Directory