Things to Do on Great Barrier Island
Updated 19th August 2026
Great Barrier Island Beaches, Walks, Hot Springs & Activities
Discover the best things to do on Great Barrier Island, from beautiful beaches and native bush walks to natural hot springs, wildlife encounters and unforgettable outdoor adventures. Just a short flight or ferry journey from Auckland, Great Barrier Island feels a world away from the bustle of the city.
Much of the island remains wild and undeveloped, with forest-covered hills, secluded bays, clear coastal waters and walking tracks waiting to be explored. Spend your days swimming at quiet beaches, soaking in the natural Kaitoke Hot Springs, hiking through native bush or discovering some of the island’s small coastal communities.
After dark, Great Barrier offers another remarkable experience. With very little artificial light, the island is internationally recognised for its spectacular night skies — making stargazing one of the highlights of any visit.
Discover Great Barrier Island – Beaches, Walks & Wild Adventures
Great Barrier Island is made for travellers who enjoy getting outdoors. Explore long sandy beaches such as Medlands and Awana, follow walking tracks through native forest, discover secluded bays and take the easy walk to Kaitoke Hot Springs for a soak in naturally heated water surrounded by bush.
The island’s remote location and largely undeveloped landscape give Great Barrier a character quite unlike mainland New Zealand. Roads connect small settlements including Tryphena, Claris, Okupu, Whangaparapara, Okiwi and Port FitzRoy, while walking tracks lead into rugged hills, regenerating forest and spectacular coastal country. Native birds are frequently encountered along the way, and quiet beaches make it easy to find your own piece of the island.
Great Barrier is just as remarkable after sunset. Its exceptionally dark skies make stargazing one of the island’s signature experiences, while guided walks, nature experiences, sightseeing tours and independent adventures provide plenty of ways to explore during the day. Use our Great Barrier Island map below to get your bearings, then discover local tours, activities and experiences to help plan your stay.
How to Get to Great Barrier Island
Great Barrier Island is around 90 kilometres northeast of Auckland in the Hauraki Gulf and can be reached either by air or ferry. Flying is the quickest option, while travelling by ferry gives you the advantage of being able to take your own vehicle to explore the island.
Fly to Great Barrier Island with Barrier Air
Flying is the fastest way to reach Great Barrier Island. Barrier Air operates regular flights from Auckland Airport to Claris Airport, near the centre of the island, with a flight time of approximately 25 minutes. Flights are also available from North Shore Airport.
The short journey across the Hauraki Gulf is a scenic introduction to the island, with coastal and island views along the way.
Book Great Barrier Island flights: Barrier Air
Take the SeaLink Ferry to Great Barrier Island
SeaLink operates passenger and vehicle ferry services between Auckland and Great Barrier Island. You can travel as a walk-on passenger or take your car, giving you the freedom to explore the island’s beaches, walking tracks, settlements and attractions at your own pace.
Great Barrier Island ferry sailings depart from Auckland City, with services operating to island terminals including Tryphena and Port FitzRoy. If you plan to take a vehicle, booking well ahead is a good idea, particularly during the busy summer period.
Book passenger or vehicle ferry travel:
By Air Book Barrier Air flights to Great Barrier Island
Ferry: Book SeaLink passenger or vehicle ferry
