Great Barrier Island coastal view
Great Barrier Island is the largest island off the North Island coast. More than 60 percent of the island is public land administered by the Department of Conservation. There are a range of short walking tracks and longer routes, several campsites, a hut, mountain bike routes, and many natural and historic features to explore.
About 850 people live on the island, and there are a number of small settlements with shops and accommodation.
Great Barrier Island is the largest island off the North Island coast. More than 60 per cent of the island is managed as conservation lands by DOC.
On Great Barrier Island you can take a soak in thermal springs, tramp through coastal forests or snorkel in an isolated cove. Boating, kayaking and fishing are other popular activities on the island.
Accommodation on Great Barrier Island ranges from backcountry camping to places to stay in the small settlements that dot the island.
Find out how to get to Great Barrier Island Aotea and how you can help look after the island.
Find out about a field trip to Great Barrier, one of New Zealand's largest offshore islands.
Learn about the historic heritage of Great Barrier Island Aotea and it's important place in Maori tradition.
This video is about black petrels – a seabird that breeds on the top of Mount Hobson on Great Barrier Island. Learn how these relatively small birds fly as far away as Peru to find food.
NZ weather
Great Barrier Island field trip
Safety information
Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.
