Great Barrier Island Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
largest island near New Zealand's North Island
About Great Barrier Island
At 285km, Great Barrier is the 4th largest island in the main New Zealand archipelago, significantly smaller thanStewart Island, the 3rd largest at 1,683km. It is also smaller than the 900-kmChatham Island, which is outside the main island chain. Great Barrier is also the centrepiece of its own small archipelago, and some of the smaller islands, such as Kaikōura Island, near Port Fitzroy, can also be visited. The island's basement sedimentary rocks are overlain by ancient volcanic rocks that give rise to jagged pinnacles, cliffs, bluffs and ravines. It was namedGreat Barrier Islandby Capt James Cook because it formed a barrier between the Hauraki Gulf and the Pacific Ocean – it is not a "barrier island" in the usual sense of a long sandy island close to the mainland. Copper, gold and silve
Top Attractions in Great Barrier Island
Explore the best things to see and do in Great Barrier Island:
- ★Aotea Arts and History Village
- ★Awana
- ★Glenfern Sanctuary
- ★Harataonga
- ★Harataonga coastal walk
- ★Harataonga loop walk
- ★Kaitoke Beach
- ★Kaitoke Hot Springs
Where to Eat in Great Barrier Island
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Angsana Thai Restaurant
- 🍴Barrier Social Club
- 🍴Claris Store
- 🍴Great Barrier Island Sports & Social Club
- 🍴Mulberry Grove Cafe & Store
- 🍴Pa Beach Cafe
Where to Stay in Great Barrier Island
- 🏨Great Barrier Lodge
- 🏨Medlands Beach Backpackers & Villas
- 🏨Medlands Beach Campsite
- 🏨Stray Possum Lodge
- 🏨Tipi & Bob's Waterfront Lodge
Great Barrier Island Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: