Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island is the largest of the Hauraki Gulf islands. It is in the Auckland Region, just off the coast of the Coromandel Peninsula.

By ferry from Auckland. Or by a plane, at Great Barrier Airlines. The planes leave from many different areas, including Auckland, Northshore, and Whanagari.

Mount Hobson, Hirakimata is Great Barrier's highest point which is 621 metres. On a clear day it offers spectacular views of the Mercury Islands to the Poor Knights, and the Hauraki Gulf.

• GBI Rent A Car & GBI Shuttle Buses, Opposite Claris Airport, ☎ 09 4290062, [1]. Located on the main road outside Claris Airport, GBI Rent A Car has a wide range of vehicles to choose from including funtops, family station wagons, corporate sedans, convertibles, wedding cars, 4x4's, utilities, people movers, minibuses and people movers. Rates start at $50/day. GBI Shuttle buses offers an island wide transfer service to and from the airport and ferry terminal, hot springs, beaches, walking tracks etc. For guided transport around the island, GBI Tours offer half day or full day tours, tailor made to suit your interests and levels of fitness.

The Barrier is more expensive than other areas of New Zealand, especially when it comes to food and petrol. If you're self-catering it'd be wise to bring some food from the mainland.

You wouldn't come for the shopping but the usual souvenirs (postcards, key chains, etc.) are available at most of the shops

• Claris Texas Cafe, Claris. Fully licensed. Serves nachos and the like
• Stray Possum Lodge, Tryphena. delicious pizzas and steaks. Fully licensed bar available

There is internet access at the Claris Texas Cafe and a handful of other places, but Great Barrier Island is the type of place to get away from computers and the like. Mobile phone reception is very limited.

Take the ferry back to Auckland or sail your own boat.