 90km
NE of Auckland, about 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.
 On
the west coast are steep, forest covered ranges with
Hirakimata the highest peak at 621m. On the eastern coast
sweeping white sand beaches, tidal creeks and wetlands. The absence of
possums has allowed the plant life to flourish and there is an impressive variety of birds, many of which are threatened and/or
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. In June 2014 the
 last
remaining
Kauri Dam
was destroyed in a storm which caused extensive damage to roads and tracks
at the northern end of the island.
Explore a
variety of walking tracks from a short walk to visit a waterfall or some hot
springs to the longer walk taking you to the highest most point of the
island. View the regenerating forest of native trees, and enjoy the unspoilt
natural beauty along with panoramic views.
From 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.
Great Barrier Island was named such by Captain Cook who sighted the
island whilst sailing, on the Endeavour,up from the Firth of Thames
and crossing the Hauraki Gulf between Cape Colville and Point Rodney
on 23rd November 1769. Aotea is the Maori name for the island.
Mt Hirakimata (Hobson) is a mountain of
significance in Ngati Wai tradition and identity. 'Hira-ki-mata'
literally means 'the mountain that is visible to the eye from a wide
area'.
DOGS:
If you bring your dog to the island don't forget to carry proof of
registration and always check first with your accommodation
provider. Dogs are prohibited on all DOC public conservation land
and boaties should note that there are no beaches in the Port
FitzRoy Harbour to exercise dogs. Click here for
Dog Exercise Areas.
PREDATORS: to
the native flora and fauna on Great Barrier Island |
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