There are a few different routes to choose from when considering how to get to Great Barrier Island. While still technically part of Auckland, it’s a little more off the beaten track than Waiheke or Rangitoto, which makes it a fantastic adventure spot. It’s a Great (get it?) weekend or multi-day summer getaway, and you can get there by land or sea.
Note: None of the information in this article is sponsored, I just want you to have as much fun on the island as I did!
How to get to Great Barrier Island by plane
The fastest, and maybe even cheapest way to get to the island is by catching a tiny plane. There are several daily flights leaving from two different airports, offered by two different airlines, so you’ve got options! If you’re flexible you might find a flight as cheap as $34 one way! All flights land in Claris.
Barrier Air
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- 30 minutes from the Auckland International Airport, the North Shore (also Auckland), or 40 minutes from Tauranga.
- Super cute little planes with just 12 seats so a window is almost guaranteed.
- Prices vary, but I booked last minute, and my flights were $64 and $132 there and back.
Sunair
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- 45 minutes from Ardmore (South Auckland), and they also offer flights from Whangarei, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Whitianga.
- They also have a “daily deals” tab if you’re ready to roll the dice and don’t have a destination in mind. (Disclaimer: This may not get you to Great Barrier and I refuse to be responsible if you end up somewhere else…)
- Flights from Auckland to Great Barrier Island start at $99 one way.
I took a lot of photos out the window lol
How to get to Great Barrier Island by ferry
The much slower, but scenic route to consider if you’re not in a hurry. The island is tiny, so there isn’t really any benefit to docking in either Tryphena or Port Fitzroy.
SeaLink
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- You can catch the ferry from Auckland CBD to Tryphena, which takes 4.5 hours.
- The same company also goes from the CBD to Port Fitzroy (also called Whangaparapara in Te Reo, used on their website) in 5 hours.
- I didn’t do this, but I met some people on the island who said it was a beautiful boat ride and they saw some dolphins along the way!
- The average price is about $105 one way for an adult, and another $100 to bring your car one way.
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In my opinion, the best option is to fly.
If you realllly want to take the boat, I’d say go from Auckland to Tryphena. And if you want to have it all, you could fly there and take the boat back! Or vice versa, of course, but the tiny plane landing on a grass strip on Great Barrier is more interesting than landing at the Auckland airport.
Port Fitzroy is still definitely worth visiting, but you can just drive there once you make it to the island. It’s just an hour from Claris.
How to get around Great Barrier Island
You’ll definitely need a car once you get there! Whether you choose to bring your own on the ferry or just rent one when you arrive, it’s the only real way to get around on the island. I recommend this rooftop tent camping option from Stay High Island Camping Co. to bundle both your accom and transport into one. It was just $175/day when I booked.
Read here about my experience trying this style of camping for the first time!
You can see what the setup looks like on my Instagram by clicking here.
Some other traditional car rental places to check out:
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- Aotea Car Rentals in Tryphena (starting from $60/day)
- Airport Rentals in Claris (starting from $65/day)
- North Barrier Car Rentals in Port Fitzroy (from $80/day)
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Things to do on Great Barrier Island
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- Great Barrier Island is a Dark Sky Reserve and offers a mesmerizing view of the stars on a clear night.
- Walk the Warren’s and Bridle Tracks, where you’ll find a beautiful waterfall nestled in the quiet forest.
- Summit Mt. Hobson for an awe-inspiring experience with stunning panoramic views of the island.
- Visit Windy Canyon, a picturesque spot on the route to Mt. Hobson, just a 15-minute walk from the main road.
- Go for a dip in the soothing waters of the Kaitoke natural hot springs, a perfect retreat on a rainy or cool day, or in the evening.
- It wouldn’t be New Zealand if there wasn’t an opportunity for surfing! There are other water activities as well, like kayaking or snorkelling.
- Enjoy a stroll along the seemingly endless Kaitoke Beach.