Great Barrier Island
Discover Great Barrier Island
Great Barrier Island is largest island off the North Island coast. Located in the Hauraki Gulf in the Auckland region, Great Barrier Island enjoys unspoiled beaches, native bushland and is home to several unique plant and bird species. More than 60 percent of Great Barrier Island’s 285 square kilometres is public land administered by the Department of Conservation.
This island is also a popular destination for diving, fishing, surfing and camping. Daily scheduled flights are also available.
Great Barrier Island provides spectacular day walks with a range of short walking tracks and longer routes, several campsites, a hut, mountain bike routes, and many natural and historic features to explore.
Activities on the island also include:
• Diving
• Coastal and forest walks
• Wildlife
• Thermal springs
• Mountain biking
• Snorkelling
• Camping
• Historic sites
• Hunting (by permit)
• Boating
• Swimming
• Surfing
• Fishing
• Kayaking
Approximately 850 people live on Great Barrier Island, and there are a number of small settlements with shops and accommodation. Daily scheduled flights are also available.
Great Barrir Boat Ramps:
Tryphena Bay
There are 7 designated boat ramps on the island – none are on the East Coast although it is possible to launch a boat into the estuary at Whangapoua at high tide. There are wharves at Tryphena, Okupu, Whangaparapara and Port FitzRoy and Tryphena Hall, Schooner Bay, Blind Bay (head of bay).
Arid Island NW Cove
Arid Island – see Rakitu
Bowling Alley Bay – Shelter in winds from SE to NW with average holding.
Bradshaw Cove on Kaikoura Island – Average holding on sand bottom sheltered in SW and S winds. Overlook Cove east of Bradshaws is sheltered in winds E to SW.
Ghost Bay – see Wairahi
Harataonga Bay – Good shelter in S, SW and W winds. Best under the cliffs at the NHarataongaW corner of the bay. Nearly always a swell from the SE.
Kaiaraara Bay – Sheltered in SE, E and NE winds and good holding on mud bottom. Access to Mt Hobson walk from Bush’s Beach at the head of the bay.
Katherine Bay – Sheltered from S to NE winds. In NE winds anchor on the northern side. In southerly winds anchorage at Nimaru or Onewhero Bays.
Kiwiriki (Two Island Bay) – Sheltered in all winds except N and NW winds and good holding on thick mud bottom.
Medlands Bay – Southeastern corner for shelter in S and SW winds and firm sandy bottom for good anchorage holding. Nearly always a swell from the SE.
Mulberry Grove (Tryphena) – Good in winds from N, NE, E and SE winds. Good holding on sandy bottom. Shop (4290909)
Nagle Cove – Average holding on sand/mud bottom in winds from NW through to S. Nearly always a swell from the SE.Forestry Bay (Akapoua) and Port FitzRoy Harbour
Oneura Bay – See Redcliffs
Overlook Cove – see Bradshaw Cove
Pah Beach (Tryphena) – Good in all winds from the north and good holding on hard sand bottom. Stonewall Store (4290451), Bottle Store, Bakery, Craft Shop.
Port FitzRoy – Good holding in all winds except S and SW. Wharf with fuel (4290 147) and water. Shop (4290 056), Hire cars, Information Centre (09 4290 848).
Puriri Bay (Tryphena) – Good in N and NW winds. Average holding on sandy mud bottom.
Rakitu Island – The Cove on the NW side of the island should be avoided in N, NW and W winds. Otherwise very good and misses the SE swell
Rangiwhakaea Bay (Wreck Bay) – Good shelter in S, SW and W winds.
Redcliffs (Oneura Bay) – South of Man of War Passage. Good anchorage in all but N and NW winds on a mud bottom.Tryphena Harbour – main wharf
Rosalie Bay (Tryphena) – Good in W or NW winds but uncomfortable swell.
Sandy Bay (Tryphena) – Good in N and NE winds.
Smokehouse Bay – Best in W or SW winds. Smokehouse, woodfired hot baths and washing tubs.
Two Island Bay – see Kiwiriki
Tryphena Harbour (Shoal Bay) – Main wharf for Fullers & EcoIslander
Wairahi Bay (Ghost Bay) – Southernmost bay of Port FitzRoy and good in winds from all directions. Good holding on thick mud bottom. Tidal.
Whangaparapara – Port side of the bay the holding is poor and only fair anchorage in all winds except N, NE and E. Whaling Station has good holding on mud bottom. 3 moorings available thru Great Barrier Lodge. Wharf with fuel (4290 488) and water. Shop (4290 488), Licensed bar, Bottle shop, Restaurant, Showers available.
Whangapoua Beach – Northern end of the beach for shelter in W or NW winds. Site of the Wairarapa Graves. Nearly always a swell from the SE.
Wreck Bay – see Rangiwhakaea
View here for further information Visit http://www.thebarrier.co.nz/boaties.htm
