Features

A great wilderness

Great Barrier is one of the last great wilderness areas of the Auckland region. In the island's centre, spectacular bluffs and ridges rise to the highest peak Hirakimata or Mount Hobson, at 621 metres. To the west, forest covered ranges meet the coast, a maze of bays, islands and indented fiords. The eastern coastline has sweeping white sands and surf beaches, often backed by tidal creeks and wetlands.

Haven for rare species

The black petrel has its main nesting
area on the island

Hirakimata and other high points in the centre of the island are the main nesting area for black petrel in New Zealand. Over 60% of New Zealand's entire pateke or brown teal population live on the island. Many of these small brown ducks frequent the wetlands of the Whangapoua estuary.

This is also one of only a few offshore island groups containing spotless crake and fern bird.  It is a stronghold for North Island kaka and banded rail. There are over 13 species of lizard, including the rarest skink in the region - the chevron skink.