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Great Barrier Island Images on this website may be reproduced only with acknowledgement of this website. Home Accommodation Activities Services Photos Map About GBI North Barrier Travel |
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90km north east of Auckland, just over 3 hours by ferry and 30mins by plane Great Barrier Island (Aotea) is a 'world of its own'. Although part of Auckland Central the island is as different to 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 sky and power is generated by generator and/or alternative power systems.
There is a variety of walking tracks from the short walk to visit a waterfall or some hot springs to the longer walk taking you to the highest most point of the island, Mt Hirakimata (Mt Hobson). View the regenerating forest of native trees, the historic remains of a kauri dam and enjoy the unspoilt natural beauty along with panoramic views.
From white, sandy beaches to sheltered bays and steep forest covered hills to mangrove estuaries the Barrier has a diverse landscape. The brown teal duck, black petrel, North Island kaka, banded rail, NZ dotterel and 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 Barrier community of about 900. The pace of life is slower here usually and things don't always happen on time, they happen in 'Barrier time'. This is a unique and special place not just because of it's beauty but for the tranquillity, the peace and quiet it has to offer all who wish to experience it.
Guardian of the Gulf Fifty miles northeast of Auckland Her splendour will unfold
Are you ready for adventure A voyage back in time No reticulated power or water Scenery sublime
Forget the television Bring a book instead No footpaths, bring your gumboots And a torch beside your bed
The pristine east coast beaches Miles of naked sand Surf or swim, fish or dive
Anchored in a quiet bay Pohutukawa tumble to the sea The sound of drunken tui From a nearby kowhai tree
Good times are what you make of it An island full of dreams Your memories, all you take from it
Greg Amos
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All images on this website may be
reproduced with acknowledgement of this website. Thankyou. |
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Aotea, Great Barrier Island
Or just stroll hand in hand
An island of opportunity
