Great Barrier Island Port Fitzroy SeALink Great Barrier Island Port Fitzroy SeALink

Aotea Great Barrier Island

An undiscovered paradise

Known as Aotea by local Māori, Great Barrier Island sits at the edge of the Hauraki Gulf, remote, rugged and beautifully off the grid.

The moment you step off the SeaLink ferry, it feels like time slows down in the best possible way. This is island life at its purest.

The east coast is home to wide, untouched beaches, while the west side offers calm, sheltered bays perfect for fishing, diving or just finding your own quiet spot. If you’re more into land-based adventures, there’s mountain biking, hiking, trike tours and a creative local arts scene to explore.

To make the most of your visit, we recommend planning your trip before you arrive. SeaLink sails to the Barrier up to seven times a week in summer and four times a week through the cooler months.

Leave the rush behind, take a breath and enjoy sunsets, starry skies and a proper escape.

Looking for the Aotea Great Barrier Island timetable?

We’ve made things simpler. Instead of a separate timetable page, you’ll now see the most up-to-date sailings directly in our booking experience.

Just choose your travel date, destination, and how you’re travelling - we’ll show you exactly what’s running. That way, you’ll always have the latest schedule at your fingertips.


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Deals, planning, what to see...

Deals

Check out some of the latest offers to experience on Aotea Great Barrier Island.

Motor home deal
Great Barrier Motorhome Deal

Take your motorhome to Aotea Great Barrier and enjoy the freedom to roam. SeaLink’s special fares make it easy and affordable to explore the island at your own pace.

Great Barrier multi-trip passes

Travelling often? We’re all about making travel more accessible, so we offer concession fares across a range of passenger types.


 

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Things to do

Despite being remote, there's lots to do on Aotea Great Barrier Island. From intrepid walks, to artisan gin and entire beaches to yourself.

Hiking on Great Barrier Island

Take a hike!

Great Barrier Island's native forest is perfect for hikers looking for a challenge and for those just keen to meander in the bush. Tackle Mount Hobson (Hirakimata) track, the island’s highest point at 621 metres. Or stroll to the Kaitoke Hot Springs along a well maintained Department of Conservation (DOC) track. Check out the DOC website for a full list of tramps and walks.

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Hire a bike on Great Barrier Island

Discover Great Barrier Island a different way

Keen to explore the island in a unique way? Check out Crazyhorse Trike Tours and enjoy an unobstructed view and ‘wind in the face’ freedom as your guide shows you around. Or hire a Motubike, an electric motorbike of sorts which is a fun, low impact way to experience Aotea.

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Barrier bites

While Aotea might be remote, there are still fantastic opportunities to enjoy great food and and drink during your stay.

Great Barrier Island restaurant my fat puku

Restaurants

Aotea Great Barrier Island has some great local eateries. Check out Currach Pub for your classic Irish pub experience and have a drink with the locals. My Fat Puku in Claris, is an all day eatery which serves great café fare by day, and pizzas by night. They even brew their own beer!

Port Fitzroy Store Great Barrier Island

Island essentials

There are a few options to pick up the necessitites on the island. In Tryphena visit Mulberry Grove Store, or Stonewall Store for your grocery needs. The Claris Store is in in the middle of the island, while The Port Fitzroy Store is in the north.

Aotea Brewing Company

Whet your whistle

You may be a wee way away from the mainland, but that doesn't mean you can't sample a locally made beer or award winning artisan gin. Visit Aotea Brewing for locally made beers and a great place to spend the afternoon. Or Island Gin, where Madame Distiller Andi, will give you an awesome tasting experience.

When to visit

Aotea Great Barrier Island is a great year round destination. Seldom is there a crowd, except for the busy December / January period. The climate is fairly temperate much like the mainland in Auckland.

Spring time Great Barrier Island

Spring

Spring on Great Barrier is a great time to visit. The native bush comes alive and kākā (native parrot) can be seen and heard enjoying the blossom of the flora. The water is starting to warm up which is perfect for swimming. The settled weather and mild temperatures make great hiking weather.

Hiking on Great Barrier Island

Summer

Summer is Barrier's silly season. If you can call it that. You can still easily find a secluded spot on the beach and feel like you are miles away from the more traditional tourism hotspots like the Coromandel.

Stargazing Great Barrier Island

Autumn & Winter

Autumn and Winter on the island are great times to visit. The night skies are clearer, so if you are coming for the dark sky sanctuary, this is the best time to come and see the team at Good Heavens Stargazing. It might be cold, but the winter beauty on the island is second to none. And for the brave, the option of swimming is still on the table.

Getting around

Of course it is easy to get around Aotea Great Barrier Island if you are taking your car with SeaLink. The Island is your oyster! We take foot passengers too, and there are some options on the island for those travelling without a vehicle. Remember, there is no public transport service on Great Barrier Island.

Car rental Great Barrier Island
Car Rental

There are a few options for car rentals on Great Barrier Island and most operators will happily leave a car at our terminal for pick up. Just let them know you're coming with SeaLink. Sometimes a car can be booked when you book your accommodation.

Shuttle tours Great Barrier Island
Shuttles

While there are no official taxi companies on Aotea Great Barrier Island, there are some shuttle options. The People's Post operates a daily shuttle service from the south to the north and back. This does not operate on Sunday.

Self Drive Great Barrier Island
Self drive

The beauty of taking your own vehicle with SeaLink is you can explore the island at your own pace. You can also take a full tank of gas, and provisions from the mainland. The roads on Great Barrier are generally winding, often narrow, occasionally unsealed and have no centre line. The most important road rule for all drivers to remember is to stay left at all times.

Planning your trip

Aotea Great Barrier Island is a truly unique destination. You're going to want to stay at least a few days!.

Travelling on SeaLink to Great Barrier Island
Weekend getaway

If you just need to get away from it all, maybe a digital detox, and a bit of a reset. A weekend escape to Great Barrier Island is perfect! Leave Friday morning with SeaLink and come back to reality on our Sunday sailing back to the mainland.

Hiking in bush on Great Barrier Island
Hiking with a group

Got a group of keen hikers? What better way to explore the island than with a crew of friends tackling some of the Barrier's walking tracks. Book some group accomodation as a base and make a week of it! Make sure to keep some downtime in the schedule to enjoy the beach or the brewery.

Kids on SeaLink boat
Family Holiday

A family holiday on Great Barrier is a great idea. Get the whole gang back to nature, enjoy the beach and the bush. Teenagers will get to experience life without constant access to TikTok and the whole family can bond over the beauty of the Barrier. Take a walk, have a swim, and enjoy a family meal at the Currach Irish Pub with the locals.

Where to stay

Great Barrier has plenty of options for accommodation, from beachside baches and cosy cabins to eco-lodges tucked into the bush. Whether you're after a relaxed retreat or something a bit more rugged, there's a spot to suit your style. Settle in and soak up the island pace.

Kiwi bach

Hiring a bach on Great Barrier Island offers a relaxing getaway with stunning beaches for the perfect holiday. From cozy cottages to modern homes, perfect for couples, families, or groups.

Off-grid retreats

Great Barrier Island is home to some stunning spots. Friendly local hosts are full of island tips and hidden gems, just ask. It’s the perfect base for a relaxed, off-grid escape with all the comforts of a premium stay.

Lodge life

There are several lodges dotted around Great Barrier Island. Most offer kitchen facilities in room if you are looking to self cater. The friendly owners are a wealth of knowledge so make sure you tap in!

Island facilities

Aotea Great Barrier Island offers essential facilities to ensure a comfortable stay for visitors. Accommodation options range from cozy lodges and holiday homes to campgrounds for a more rustic experience. There are several general stores around the island, particularly in Tryphena, Claris, and Port Fitzroy, where you can purchase groceries and basic supplies. Fuel stations are available but limited, so planning ahead is wise. It is a good idea to arrive with a full tank of gas if you are taking your car. Medical facilities include a small health centre in Claris, with emergency services available but limited compared to the mainland. Internet and mobile coverage can be spotty, offering a chance to truly disconnect. Some accommodation will have WiFi and free WiFi is available at the Claris Store and the library. Transportation around the island is mainly by rental car or shuttle services. Importantly, there are no banks or ATMs. While there are eftpos or credit card facilities at most service providers, some cash is not a bad idea. It is a great idea to bring your own reusable coffee cup as Aotea is single use cup free.

Great Barrier Island Port Fitzroy Store
Great Barrier Island resident?

Aotea residents are eligible for special rates. Sign up and unlock our lower fares for locals.

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