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Distance from Auckland 90 km Northeast
Size Great Barrier Island is about 40km long, about 15km in width and about 285 km2
Population There are about 1200 permanent residents
Access Great Barrier is only accessible by sea or air, daily fights to Claris or Okiwi airfields are available from Auckland and North Shore.  Car and passenger ferry most days to Tryphena.
Transport A network of mainly metal roads connect the main settlements, but a great deal of the island remains inaccessible except by foot or sea.  Taxis, buses, and shuttles meet the boats and planes.
Accommodation Bookings essential in peak season, (Dec-Jan, Easter and other long weekends).  Budget accommodation is scarce in the North.
Camping Camping is permitted only in designated areas.  There are six camping grounds run by DOC.  Numbers are restricted and bookings are essential at all DOC campgrounds.  All campgrounds have basic facilities only - pit toilets, fresh water, and a rubbish collection.  Dogs and firearms are not permitted.  There are also private campgrounds at Awana and Tryphena.
Cash There are no banks or ATM machines on the island.  EFTPOS facilities are available at most shops.
Medical Services A resident medical team is based at Claris.  There is no resident dentist.  There is a pharmacy at Claris, but please bring any prescription medicines
Water Supplies There is no reticulated water on the island.  Fresh water is available from various sites.  The parasite Giardia is on the island and it is recommended that all water be treated or boiled.
Electricity There is no reticulated electricity on the island.  Nor are there any street lights.  Electricity is supplied by private generator or alternative power systems.  Bring a torch.
Toilets Public toilets are available at Shoal Bay Wharf, Mulberry Grove, Pa Beach, Tryphena, Medlands Beach, Claris Airfield, Claris, Whangaparapara Reserve, Awana Beach, Port Fitzroy and Okupu Beach, Entrance to Hot Springs and Whangapoua.
Public Phones Card or coin phones are available at Shoal Bay, Mulberry Grove, Pa Beach, Medlands, Claris, Whangaparapara, Awana, Okiwi Airfield, Port Fitzroy and Orama.  It is a toll call to Auckland.
Animals Rare flora and fauna thrive in the absence of predators.  Great Barrier is free from stoats, weasels, ferrets, deer, wallaby, hedgehogs, norway rats and possums.  These animals are prohibited and great care must be taken to ensure there are no unwanted stowaways when boating to the island, or transporting buildings or materials.

Visitors taking their dogs to Great Barrier must carry proof of registration.  Dogs must be under control at all times and please remember to remove all dog droppings.  Any dog found among poultry or stock on private land may be destroyed.  Dogs are prohibited in all DOC public conservation land.
Beaches Great Barrier's beaches are ideal for swimming, surfing and snorkelling - but extreme care must be taken, especially on the Eastern surf beaches. No life guards are present on any beach.
Tramping The central forest area is well covered in walking tracks ranging up from easy short day tramps suitable for all levels of fitness.
Huts Trampers huts are available at Kaiarara and Whangaparapara on a first come first served basis.  Tickets can be purchased at the DOC Area Office in Port Fitzroy.  Tickets or hut fees are to be left in the honesty box provided.
Hunting Hunting on land administered by DOC is by permit only.  For safety reasons, hunting is not permitted between 1 December and 28 February, on public holidays or during school holidays.  Shooting of waterfowl anywhere on the island is prohibited.
Fire Fire fighting equipment on Great Barrier is limited.  Help, in the event of a fire may take some time to arrive.  Fire prevention is very important - to protect the environment, and human life.  Please take care with matches and cigarettes, especially in summer.  It is illegal to discharge flares except in an emergency.  Fireworks also carry a very real fire risk.

There is a year-round 'Restricted Season', meaning permits are required for all open air fires.  Permits are not required for gas-fuelled barbecues, but take care when erecting them.

For fire permit information, please contact:

  • Great Barrier Service Centre, phone 429 0258
  • DOC Area Office, phone 429 0044
Rubbish Rubbish pick-up points are at Shoal Bay Wharf, Puriri Bay, Whangaparapara Wharf, Awana Beach, Motairehe and Port Fitzroy.  These are cleared Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from December to February, and on Mondays and Fridays at other times. 

Recycling points are at Mulberry Grove School, Claris refuse facility, Whangaparapara and Okiwi for glass bottles, aluminium cans, cardboard and car batteries, and at Medlands campground, Awana campground and Port Fitzroy Wharf for aluminium cans only.
Driving Most of Great Barrier's roads are narrow and unsealed.  Many are steep and winding.  In summer they frequently become dusty and corrugated.  Keep your holiday accident free by driving carefully and slowly, with consideration for pedestrians.  Keep an eye out for slips and washouts after heavy rain.  Culverts and fords often flood.
Pedestrians Watch out for vehicles.  Give them plenty of room, making sure everyone in your party moves off to the same side of the road.
Safe Anchorages Whangaparapara, Port Fitzroy, Tryphena, Shoal Bay, Kaiaraara Bay, Navel Cove, Kiwiriki Bay, Wairahi Bay & Smokehouse Bay.
Extreme care should be taken along the eastern side of the island in easterly conditions.
Fuel Available from Port Fitzroy Wharf, Whangaparapara Wharf, Claris and Tryphena.
Supplies General Stores at Port Fitzroy, Whangaparapara, Claris and Tryphena - Pa Beach and Mulberry Grove.
 

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