Just 90km north east of Auckland, and just over four hours by ferry and 30mins by plane, Great Barrier Island (Aotea) is a 'world of its own'. Although part of Auckland Central electorate, the island is as large and yet different from any city as you could get. Take a trip back in time to when roads were unsealed and drivers acknowledged one another. There are no banks, no traffic lights and just a few shops. Water is mainly what comes from the skyand power is generated by alternative power systems and/or generators.
On the west coast of the island are rocky coves and harbours and steep, forest covered ranges with Mt Hirakimata (Hobson) the highest peak at 621m. On the eastern coast there are sweeping white sandy beaches, tidal creeks and wetlands. The absence of possums has allowed the plant life to flourish and Great Barrier Island also has an impressive variety of birds, many of which are threatened and endangered. Although logged extensively in the past much of the island is now covered with regenerating forest and bush and some fine stands of kauri still remain.
There are a variety of walking tracks, from the short walk to visit a waterfall or bathe in hot springs, to the longer tramps taking you to the highest point of the island.
From beaches to sheltered bays and steep forest covered hills, Great Barrier has a diverse landscape. The North Island kaka, banded rail, chevron skink are just some of the endangered species this habitat provides for.
There is always a welcoming smile and a hand of friendship for visitors to this small and scattered community of about 900. This is a unique and special place not just because of its beauty but for the tranquility, the peace and quiet it has to offer to all who wish to experience it.
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On the west coast of the island are rocky coves and harbours and steep, forest covered ranges with Mt Hirakimata (Hobson) the highest peak at 621m. On the eastern coast there are sweeping white sandy beaches, tidal creeks and wetlands. The absence of possums has allowed the plant life to flourish and Great Barrier Island also has an impressive variety of birds, many of which are threatened and endangered. Although logged extensively in the past much of the island is now covered with regenerating forest and bush and some fine stands of kauri still remain.