Go Great Barrier Island

Aotea, Great Barrier Island  ~  A World of its Own

It's crazy, but it's true... A scenic 30 minute flight is all it takes to transport yourself back in time to a very special and unique part of New Zealand. Authentic and natural, best describes Aotea. The land and the people...

Situated on the outer edge of the Hauraki Gulf in New Zealand's only National Marine Park, Great Barrier Island is a mere 90 kilometres from Auckland City - but a world away from your typical holiday destination. Over 70% of the land is protected Conservation Park and with night skies rated 'second to none'... the whole island is a Dark Sky Sanctuary.

 

To visit Great Barrier Island is to experience life off the grid, under the radar and on the edge... it really is a world of its own!
For more information on what to expect, click here...

We've got all the info on how to get here, where to stay & what to do. Take a look around our website, you'll find everything you need... You can book on-line or if you'd prefer a personalised service, give our friendly team a call now.
Our information and booking service is yours to use, for free! In fact we'll save you money & time, and ensure you get exactly what you're looking for. We're here to help...

Modern Clifftop Accommodation for Two
Stay for 3 nights - Only $250 per night !
Stay for 4 or 5 nights  - Only $220 per night !!
Stay 6 or 7 nights - Only $200 per night !!!

Premium Grade return flights from Auckland
$200 per person
Toyota Rav4 car rental
$65 per day
Click here for more...

Great Barrier Island Dark Sky Sanctuary

On the 19th August 2017, Great Barrier Island celebrated becoming the first island in the world to become a Dark Sky Sanctuary…
At a time in humanity's history when one third of the earths population, & eighty per cent of Americans have never seen the Milky Way, Gt Barrier Island is taking it's new responsibility to protect it's amazing night skies seriously.
Resident Dark Sky ambassadors are now offering visitors the opportunity to experience the heavens above with the launching of their new initiative, 'Good Heavens Dark Sky Experiences'. Armed with quality telescopes, binoculars, blankets, bean-bags & information, they'll come directly to your accommodation or preferred viewing location and introduce you to our amazing dark skies.

Fully Flexible Return Flights from Auckland & North Shore

Paradise is Half an Hour Away... with Barrier Air.
All our Premium Flights are Fully Flexible!
That means that no matter what the circumstances, your flights are fully refundable or transferrable right up to 24 hours before your departure time.

Plus, your fare includes a generous 18kg luggage allowance. You can see the live status of flights arriving to and departing from Auckland here... We fly to Great Barrier Island at least 5 times per day - Every day! 

  • Fly from Auckland to Great Barrier Island
    From $105  per adult - Book here
  • Fly from North Shore to Great Barrier Island
    From $109 per adult - Book here

The Aotea Track ~ 3 day hiking package

Lush Green Forests
Stunning Sunsets
Coastal Panoramas
Pristine Wetlands
Natural Hot Springs
Cool Waterfalls
Clean Mountain Air
Unique Wildlife

Sounds like some exotic destination doesn't it?... Hawaii maybe? Or Peru?
Well actually, we're talking about Great Barrier Island! ...The Aotea Track, 3-day Hiking Experience to be precise!
The Aotea Track is Great Barrier Island's very own Great New Zealand Walk and it's right on Auckland's doorstep!
For more information or to book our Aotea Track - All Inclusive Package Deal... Click here

The Top 10

Take a look at our most popular all-inclusive holiday packages.
We are Great Barrier Islands’ specialist holiday package provider and our all inclusive booking and planning service is yours to use… absolutely free! In fact you’ll save money by taking advantage of our special offers and up to date information.

 

With over 25 years of local knowledge behind us, we confidently offer you the very best deals in Sealink ferry travel, return flights, holiday accommodation and rental car options.

Check out our Top 10 Great Barrier Island holiday package deals here…

If you’d prefer, we can design a special Great Barrier Island Experience just for you! Let us know your preferences and requirements and we’ll take care of everything.

In the News

Great Barrier’s ‘Must-Do’ Summer Experience - Welcome Aboard... The West Coast Sightseeing Tour with Lunch is our most popular option for families and couples to experience a really beautiful part of the Barrier from a whole new perspective.
You can help fight Kauri Dieback - There is no cure for Kauri dieback, and the disease kills most if not all the Kauri it infects. But our beautiful Kauri can be saved – with the help of people like you.
Aotea Track officially re-opened… - It's official - again! Hiking enthusiasts can once again enjoy Great Barrier Island's incredible 3 day hiking experience... The Aotea Track.

callNeed some assistance?

Our help desk is open every day from 8am till late.
You can email us here...
or call now - 0800 997 222

Come, See, Experience

There’s plenty to do here.
For many visitors, exploring the island is the most popular pastime. We always say that no visit is complete without a dip in the natural Kaitoke hot springs or a clamber up to the top of the Windy Canyon.
You'll find awesome art galleries, potteries & museums to visit – beautiful white sand ocean beaches, fantastic bush walks, some great dine out options and a huge range of activities to enjoy...

Previews of Paradise

We've put together some Quick-Clips of Great Barrier Island. Take a look around the island - here.

*Header photo credit: www.aerialvision.co.nz

Go Great Barrier Island

X Spot Winter Deals

We welcome you to stay longer this winter! Come and enjoy XSPOT and Great Barrier in winter - take some time to truly unwind, enjoy the longest starlit nights and the cosiness of a wood stove and double glazing. Sunsets galore while you look out over the Hauraki Gulf and unwind with a cuppa or a glass at the end of the day. Utter bliss!

Enjoy epic New Zealand nature from the comfort of the couch or use the XSPOT as a base for Barrier exploration! The X-spot is a beautifully appointed modern eco-apartment with stunningly wide views from Coromandel to the Whangarei Heads.
The self contained apartment is part of a comfortable eco-house which is mainly run on solar power, wind power and wood.
Both the house and apartment are situated in a very remote location only shared with your hosts.
Perfect for a retreat, a honeymoon or a weekend away for your loved one and you!

Please note: There is a 0ne-off $50 cleaning fee added to all winter special bookings

Just wanted to say a big thank you for sorting out our weekend.
I can honestly say we had a blast, the island is absolutely stunning, the people were so nice and friendly we really loved everyone we met.
The Irish pub was awesome. We were lucky enough to be there for Thursday night open mike, and we took full advantage of the fun. We met Pete and Terry who so kindly took us out on their fishing boat, we loved it.
We couldn't believe how amazing the food was. The whole experience is going to be a huge talking point for us all for a long time.
Thank you once again for everything.
Cheers Nicki

 

Just to let you know that we had an absolutely wonderful stay. Everything went well – like clockwork.
The rental we had was wonderful and Muriwai was just beautiful – we’re so pleased we stayed there.
We ate at Tipi & Bobs and the Irish Pub – both wonderful evening meals. We visited the Social Club at Tryphena and watched the Super Rugby game.
Lunched at My Pat Puku, visited the crafts and gallery places (the little Museum is wonderful – so much history and displays). We went right to the top of the island by road, and the bottom and to the hot pools.
The signposts and the great well maintained walks and information posts were just superb. The people are so friendly – everyone waves!
Thanks again
Well done Great Barrier Island!
Jenny & Ces Horan

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I just wanted to say thank you for the package you put together for us to visit Great Barrier Island.
We had a fabulous time and really enjoyed exploring your stunning island.
You made it so easy, taking care of all the bookings and putting together the things that we wanted to do.
We were met off the plane and handed the keys to our rental car. Norm at the information desk at the airport gave me great maps and recommended some good day walks for us to do (we did most of the day trips he recommended too).
Angeline was at the Great Barrier Lodge when we called in to drop off our bags.
Amongst other things we enjoyed the kauri bridge at Glenfern and the view of Port Fitzroy from Sunset Rock.
We walked to Windy Canyon and beyond into the Pinnacles area for a few hours before walking back out the same way - this was so visually stunning and a real highlight for me.
Hilde was fabulous when we did the Good Heavens Experience.
We thoroughly enjoyed our day on the Sundancer with Chris. We felt very privileged as he still took us out even though we were the only ones.
Our accomodation was just right for us and it was so lovely to spend each evening out on the deck admiring the Whangaparapara Harbour. We ate dinner at the Great Barrier Lodge restaurant each night because it was so good (and we could have a drink and not worry about driving).|
The info sheet you sent through beforehand was useful and the list of places to eat was also helpful - especially for breakfast and lunches.
Thank you again for putting this all together for us - flights, accomodation, rental car & activities.
We had a fabulous trip and really enjoyed exploring the island.
Deborah Malcolm

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We would like to thank you for the wonderful holiday we had on the Barrier.
We absolutely loved The Bach, and felt we were in paradise being so close to such a beautiful beach!
We made the most of having some lovely meals out, and all within walking distance.
The swims in the bay were so lovely.
It created a wonderful memory for my husband and I for out 30th Wedding Anniversary. Just perfect!
It was great flying over from Dairy Flat, and we were impressed with the service we received.
Thanks again, we would love to return sometime.
Kerry and Janice Sinclair

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We’re back home now and I wanted to say we all had the most fabulous time on Great Barrier Island. Thanks for organising the trip for us, everything was perfect ( even the weather!). We went star gazing, did an early morning Astro photography workshop, fishing charter and walked up and over Mt Hobson via the hot pools. We packed all we could into and 5 days and we all hope to return for more exploring.
Helen McMahon
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My partner and I just wanted to thank you for booking such an easy holiday for us. The flights were hassle free, along with the accommodation and at the airport the car rental was an easy process. (I loved the sign with my name on it). Also, a special mention to Steve and his trike ride. Steve was such a great host, he picked us up on time, gave us a lovely island tour and even welcomed us back to his house to use his kayak's anytime. The entire trip was such an easy experience and I highly recommend your service. Thanks again for such an amazing weekend away.
We will definitely be back!
Lauren

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We are here and enjoying this beautiful island of yours. It is truly spectacular!
I only have one gripe.. You must add a suggestion in all your bookings that a 2 night stay is not enough - a minimum stay of at least a week should be recommended as once you are here, you never want to leave.
Thank you so much for your help, I'm already dreading tomorrow when we leave :(
Talei

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Just wanted to say thank you very much for your help and advice when organising our recent visit to the Barrier. While the weather wasn’t always perfect, it didn’t stop my sister and I doing anything or from having the best time, including doing some of your fabulous walks. We needed more time to fit more of them in!
The accommodation was really comfortable and perfect for our needs; we were met by a charming young woman from the car rental company and the X-Trail was just the ticket for us to explore the length and breadth of the island (which we did), and we simply loved chatting with locals and restaurant owners while dining out. Your advice and wonderful service were just the icing on the cake, so thank you very much.
You live in a magical place and we’ll be back!
Anne

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We all just wanted to say thank you so much for organising a great Christmas holiday for us on Great Barrier Island! We had a very special time and made wonderful family memories after being apart in different countries for years. Thank you for all your help and advice, we have recommended you highly to everyone we know.
Thanks again,
Emma

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I just wanted to thank you for organising everything for us for our weekend. We had a fabulous time! Everything was great – we loved staying at Tipi and Bobs and Marjorie made us very welcome, the units were great, lovely views and the food was fantastic! The cakes were wonderful, Phaedra had done a great job. It’s amazing how much we managed to pack into such a short time, the first time I’ve been there but will certainly come back for a longer stay next time. Once again, thanks for a wonderful job.
Maxine