There are few roads on the island and they are all winding, not paved and without a center line. If you drive on the road, you just have to stick to the left side and that’s it. But for us it is not surprising, as we have a lot of roads without center markings. There is no public transportation here, but you can rent a car. There are two airfields on the island where planes from Auckland and Tauranga land. The Great Barrier Island is only a 35-minute flight from Auckland. But if you get to the island by water, it will be much longer than four and a half hours. To the Great Barrier Island several times a week there are high-speed ferries, both passenger and cargo.

The climate on the island is subtropical, the same as in Auckland, but more windy, and the flora is unique and diverse. There are rare plants and many birds. Rare species of ducks, brown teal, black petrel, and the beautiful kaka parrot live in the natural environment. But there are no introduced pests that affect the local ecosystem, there are no possums, weasels, ferrets, hedgehogs, deer, wild goats. Therefore, the flora of the island remains untouched and pristine. And those forests that were destroyed by people for decades have been restored.

And it is also said that strange phenomena happen to visitors to the island, although it doesn’t happen to everyone. They find themselves in some strange and incomprehensible state. There is a continuous feeling of peace, well-being, and everything around seems so beautiful. Suddenly you forget about your problems, about your past life, you don’t want to be interested in the press, the Internet, television or anything else. You want to wave to every car you see and stop and chat with every person, just like that, about nothing.

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Sunshine Beach Café

Located on the beach, Sunshine Beach Café is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy a great ocean view and great food. Here you can try fresh seafood, hearty breakfasts and flavorful coffee while enjoying the pleasant breeze and the sound of the surf.

Green Oasis Café

Located in the heart of the city, Green Oasis Café offers a cozy atmosphere and great cuisine. Here you will find a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, fresh salads, soups and homemade desserts. The perfect place for those who are health-conscious and love to enjoy delicious food.

Island Aromas Café

This place is simply filled with aromas and flavors that will not leave you indifferent. Here you will find a wide selection of coffee, tea and freshly baked desserts, as well as light snacks and hot dishes. The perfect place to relax after a stroll around the island and enjoy the atmosphere of warm hospitality.

Beach Breeze Café

Located on the beach, this café offers not only a beautiful ocean view but also excellent cuisine. Here you can enjoy fresh seafood, light appetizers and refreshing drinks while enjoying the gentle sun and cool sea breeze.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit these wonderful cafes on Great Barrier Island and enjoy delicious food and an atmosphere of coziness and hospitality. After all, vacationing on this amazing island is not only about adventure, but also about enjoying the simple but important moments of life.

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The flight is in tiny airplanes that only seat 8 people. The pilot looked very tired, and on top of that, he also flew us back. Is there really only one pilot? That’s why he was tired – to fly 6 times a day back and forth.

Before the flight they give you headphones and slam the door firmly shut. The whole time in the air (which is half an hour) you can take photos and videos and enjoy the views.

We fly very low over the Earth: Auckland, Waiheke Island and other small islands of the Hauraki Gulf pass quickly below us.

Great Barriere Island looks ominous from above. But it actually looks a lot like one of those tropical islands in the Pacific – Tonga, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Tahiti, or Moorea.

The temperature is consistently as much as 4 degrees higher than Auckland. And after all, the island is only about a hundred kilometers from the main landmass.

How much does it cost to live and where to find food

Like everywhere else in New Zealand, there are hostels, campgrounds, and more expensive places.

• A bed in a hostel 40-45 NZD;
• A place for a tent on a camping site 20-25 NZD;
• Rent a car 60 NZD per day.

As I’ve already written, food is hard to find. It is important to get the time right, because every cafe has its own schedule and on weekdays almost all places are closed.

On the island there are 3-4 stores and 2 gas stations.

The main towns on the island are:

Claris – where the airport is located. It is about in the center of the island. Nearby there is a gas station with a store and one coffee shop.

Trifina is the “largest” island town. It is located in the south of the island. It even has the island’s only Irish Currach bar. It’s also where most of the stores and eating places are concentrated.

Port Fitzroy is a lonely village on the west of the island. Diving tours and boat trips, fishing, etc are organized from here. There is 1 mini store there and a place that sometimes sells burgers.

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