Great Barrier Island
A day on Great Barrier Island feels like stepping into a quieter, wilder New Zealand. Here, the pace slows, and nature takes centre stage. You might spend mornings on pristine white‑sand beaches, afternoons hiking through lush native bush, and evenings soaking in hidden forest hot springs. With no large supermarkets, limited cellphone coverage, and starry skies certified as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, the island invites you to truly switch off. In addition, sheltered harbours are perfect for kayaking, local artisans share their craft, and remote eco‑stays offer space to unwind. Great Barrier Island blends serenity, adventure, and unspoiled beauty in a way few places can.
Hot Springs
The Kaitoke Hot Springs are one of Great Barrier Island’s most unique natural attractions. A gentle 60‑minute walk through wetlands and regenerating bush in the Kaitoke Valley leads you to the springs. They sit beside a clear stream where warm geothermal water bubbles up from underground.
The pools are shallow, sandy‑bottomed, and pleasantly warm—not scalding—making them perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking or exploring. Along the way, boardwalks guide you past nikau palms and pockets of rising steam, hinting at the geothermal activity beneath the surface.
Surrounded by birdsong and native forest, the springs feel wonderfully secluded. They offer an easy, family‑friendly experience that captures the island’s laid‑back, off‑grid charm.
Claris Aerodrome
The Great Barrier Island Aerodrome, located at Claris, is the island’s small but essential aviation hub. It serves as one of the main gateways for visitors. Despite its modest size, the airfield is well‑run and has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that reflects the island’s off‑grid lifestyle.
The single sealed runway sits only minutes from shops, cafés, and accommodation, making arrivals and departures simple and efficient. Regular flights from Auckland bring travellers, locals, freight, and essential supplies. This service is a lifeline, given the island’s remote location and limited ferry connections.
Surrounded by open landscapes and native bush, the aerodrome offers a scenic, almost nostalgic flying experience. Stepping off the plane feels like arriving somewhere truly removed from city life.
Mulberry Grove
Mulberry Grove is a small settlement and community hub on Great Barrier Island. Located in the Tryphena area on the island’s southern side, it is best known for the Mulberry Grove Store. This friendly general store doubles as a café and social meeting spot for both locals and visitors.
Here you’ll find groceries, fresh food, coffee, takeaway meals, and postal services. You’ll also discover helpful local advice, making the store one of the island’s key conveniences—especially with limited retail options elsewhere.
The area offers nearby accommodation, a beautiful beach, and easy access to walking tracks and viewpoints. Mulberry Grove has a relaxed, welcoming feel. It serves as both a practical and charming base for exploring Tryphena and the wider island.
Okupu Wharf
Okupu Wharf sits in the sheltered waters of Blind Bay on Great Barrier Island. It is a picturesque and much‑loved local spot with a classic “Barrier” feel. The wharf itself is small and simple, used for fishing, swimming, and the occasional visiting boat. Behind it, a peaceful bay is framed by bush‑covered hills.
At high tide, the wharf becomes a favourite place for kids and adults to leap into the clear water. As sunset arrives, it turns into a prime vantage point, with light dropping behind the surrounding landscape
The area around Okupu is quiet and scenic. Calm beaches, abundant birdlife, and a relaxed community vibe make the wharf a charming stop. Whether you’re exploring the island by car or simply seeking a peaceful moment by the water, Okupu Wharf delivers a true taste of the Great Barrier’s laid‑back spirit.
