Great Barrier Island is referred to as 'the Barrier' by locals, but could have easily been called 'the Great'. Not only is it stunning, but what makes it great, is that it is so different from most other places in New Zealand.
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The island lies in the outer Hauraki Gulf, 90 kilometres north-east of central Auckland. With an area of 285 square kilometres, it is the sixth-largest island of New Zealand. The highest point, Mount Hobson, is 621 metres above sea level. It currently has around 900 inhabitants, mostly living from farming, tourism and other primary and secondary industries. A large part of the island (around 60%) is a nature reserve, administered by the Department of Conservation, and there are many fab walks, including the 3 day Aotea Track, and many largely deserted beaches.
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Endangered species are a common sight on the island. Keep an eye out for the kaka, the pateke brown teal duck, the taiko black petrel, the dotterel and the chevron skink. Not only these endangered species are interesting, though, some of the humans inhabitants are too. See if you can spot the odd hippy or (would be) hermit. Mostly, the natives are friendly though, as visitors make our island thrive. Look out for the island wave.
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To get here, you can either catch a plane from Auckland Airport in Mangere, to connect with your international or national flight. FlyMySky and Barrier Air are our most reliable carriers, and they fly you to Claris, in the centre of the island, in half an hour in a six- to twelve seater.
The other option is to sail across the Hauraki Gulf from Wynyard Wharf in Central Auckland on the car ferry, to land either in Tryphena or in PortFitzroy. This takes approximately 4.5 hours, but on a good day, it's a wonderful cruise.
Its remoteness is not the only thing that makes the Barrier so different? There is no reticulated power, water or gas, here. We make our own. Every household has its own combination of solar panels and wind or diesel generators and sometimes even water wheels. This makes us very resilient, independent and very low power users and probably slightly stubborn, as you'd have to be, to cope with the challenges alternative systems provide. Most people are very happy to show you their alternative systems. Ask us to show you if you are interested.
This also means that there is an expectation of you as a guest at the XSPOT to join in and be a considerate power user. No devices with heating elements please, such as hair dryers and straighteners, rice cookers, toasters, or little electric heaters. If you cannot cope without those comforts, then maybe Great Barrier is not the place for you. Oh, and no street lights. Bring a torch and...
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A telescope - as there is no light pollution either. Or book a tour with Good Heavens: The Dark Skies here are very dark, which is a good thing, as lots of stars can be seen, and Great Barrier Island has been granted Dark Sky Sanctuary status, as only the third place in the world, it's that special! This status will solidify and preserve Great Barrier's night skyscape forever. Come and enjoy. It truly is wonderful here.
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For more information on the most beautiful island in the world, please also check out the official website for Great Barrier Island or check out Go Great Barrier's excellent site.
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