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New Zealand > Auckland
> Great Barrier Island
By Jessica Lloyd
New Zealand at it's wildest
 This
island is 90km off Auckland city in the Hauraki Gulf, and is one of the most
beautiful, naturally wild places on earth. With a population of around 1000,
there is more than enough room on the 285 square km's for great views for
everyone, though in the peak period in summertime this figure can grow to up
to 15,000 with tourists - huge. It is renowned for its beauty and
wilderness, the lack of anything city-like is refreshing, hence it's
popularity with ecotourists. It's remoteness means it will never become
'just another beach resort', it is too far away and too hard to get to
(relatively, and compared to the rest of New Zealand) for this to happen.
Getting around
You can fly, or go in a ferry - choose a four hour trip on the ferry, or a
two-and-a-half hour cruise and you can even take your car if you want. The
flights are 30 minutes, in a small aircraft of about 10 seats. It feels like
you are in a giant bumble bee, the planes are so small and loud, it is a
real experience in itself! It also provides good views if you are flying in
good weather. The landing strip is like a big grass paddock, not what you
would expect a real plane to land on! Once on the island, you can swim,
dive, bicycle, motorcycle or rent a car to get from beautiful A to wonderful
B.
What's Here?
If you're looking for five star resorts, your in the wrong place. This
island is almost backwards in it's 'development' which only adds to it's
charms. The fact that you have to take things with you like torches and
candles make it a real getaway. You can be the only person to walk on a
beach in a whole day here, you get things to yourself, which is almost
impossible anywhere else (except on a horrible day!). The eastern coastline
has white sandy beaches, and the coastlines all have rugged cliffs and
sometimes pounding surf.
Shops
There are most of the amenities you might need, but finding them open might
present a different problem! You will see as you drive or walk past, a house
has a sign out the front saying "chemist" or "bike shop" or some other such
thing, with no shop front or people around. They might be out fishing, or
out to lunch. This is the beauty of the place, there is no hurry, everything
can wait until tomorrow, or later on. It's not procrastination, but the
pleasure of taking their time - because they can. Ask when you arrive where
everything is, and what time they are open, so as to avoid unecessary trips
along winding roads at night - unless of course this is what you want!
Dolphins and Whales
Dolphins can usually be found around this island, and if you are in a boat,
you may find them at the bow, swimming alongside. They are truly
magnificent, and actually a lot bigger than you think! They duck and dive
and play with the boats, almost seeming to get hit by them, but of course
they never do. Watch them feeding on fish, herding them into place and then
feasting. Whales also go past here on their migrations, so look out for the
telltale spouts of water - if you see that, you are seeing a whale. Look out
for Bryde's whales, and also the extremely rare Maui's dolphins - these are
a genetically different species of dolphin which are not found anywhere else
on earth.
Food
The seafood here is fantastic and always fresh. If you don't like seafood,
there are always choice cuts of other meat to fill your plate. The food here
is always interesting - the people who usually prepare it are not gourmet
chefs, but normal people running their business's which is more than likely
your accommodation. You will always have plenty of food and wine though, and
they certainly know how to make your trip interesting and fun.
Things to do
Relax, and enjoy not having electricity humming around your ears non-stop.
Other things to enjoy could be kayaking - there are organised tours, or get
a kayak and shoot off by yourself, horse trekking - a fabulous way to see
somewhere new, visit the natural hot springs or play golf. Eating, sleeping,
listening and drinking will all be things on your agenda - great New Zealand
wines, excellent New Zealand seafood and friendly hosts all make up the
experience of this magical island. If you like fishing, you can charter a
boat and get all your gear supplied - this is good if you aren't the best at
baiting hooks or need some advice on how to scale a fish! The snorkelling
and diving is awesome, so jump in. Overall, you won't get bored of this
place. There are constantly people declaring, after one visit, that they
want to come to retire here.
Getting There
Fullers Passenger Ferries Ph 09 367 9111 (Free Phone 0800 385 5377) and
Sealink operate a passenger, car and freight service.
Water Taxis are also available.
Islands in the Hauraki Gulf
Kawau, Waiheke, Rangitoto,
Great Barrier, Rakino, Motuihe,
Ponui, Pakatoa, Little Barrier,
Tiritiri Matanga, Motutapu, Motuora,
Motuhaku, Kaikoura, Browns.
Auckland Attractions and things to do,
Auckland Motels and
Hotels
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