Getting Here & Around

The Journey

The journey to Great Barrier Island is filled with spectacular views of islands, and whales, penguins and dolphins can often be seen from the plane. It is important to be flexible when going on holiday to Great Barrier Island as it is isolated and weather conditions can result in delays and/or cancellations in extreme conditions. However, the isolation is what makes this such a unique destination.

Once on the island, some form of transport is essential to enable you to fully appreciate the island. A range of options are available including rental vehicles, buses and transfer services. Many accommodation providers offer a meet and greet pick-up service. If you decide to self-drive, do so carefully as the roads are narrow, winding, steep and in some places, unsealed. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are required for some parts of the island.

Ferry Services

Fullers

Fullers run ferry services between Great Barrier Island and Auckland from 19 October to 24 March 08 (Easter Weekend). The ferry departs Pier 2, Ferry Terminal, 99 Quay St, Auckland and Tryphena or Port FitzRoy at Great Barrier Island.

SeaLink

SeaLink Passenger and Car Ferry Service provides Auckland's only regular service to Great Barrier Island. These run six days a week in summer and three days a week in winter. The ferry departs Wynyard Wharf - car bookings essential.

Air Services

The flight time to Great Barrier Island is approximately 30 minutes and if you are fortunate to have clear skies, then you are in for a visual treat and may possibly see whales and dolphins.

Great Barrier Airlines

Great Barrier Airlines flew its first scheduled service to Great Barrier Island back in 1983.  Today they operate out of Auckland, North Shore's Dairy Flat, Whangarei, Whitianga, and Matarangi.

Mountain Air

Mountain Air has focused on becoming a specialist airline providing twin engine, small aircraft services to off-the-beaten-track country and mountain places. Their Great Barrier Island service, called Great Barrier Xpress flies daily out of Auckland and also Whangarei.

Island Air

Island Air flies to Great Barrier Island from Tauranga, Waihi, Thames, Pauanui, Whitianga, Matarangi and Whitianga.

Island Travel

A network of roads connects the main settlements on the island. Transfer services and rental vehicles are readily available. Great Barrier Buses with their People and Post van run a daily service between Tryphena and Port FitzRoy all year as well as scheduled services in the southern part of the island.

Rental Vehicles

Aotea Car Rentals

All rates include free transfers to and from the airport or wharf. Pick-up and drop-off at accommodation.
Telephone: 09 4290 474 or 0800 426 832
Email: info@greatbarriertravel.co.nz

GBI Rent A Car

Locally owned operator, with more than 60 vehicles and depots at Tryphena and Claris. Mountain bikes are also available for hire. Free pick-up and transfer.
Telephone:+64 9 4290062
Email: gbi.rentacar@xtra.co.nz

Medlands Rentals

Toyota 4WD station-wagon cars. Free pick-up and delivery from Claris airport. Cars from $75 per day and 8 seater van $100 per day.
Telephone: +64 9 429 0861
Email: rentals@medlandsrentals.co.nz

Transfer Services

Barrier Tour Company

Airport, wharf or island transfers. Island wide cab service also available.The standard vehicle is a 4 wheel drive Mitsubishi Delica Touring Coach.
Telephone: 09 4290 222
Email: tours@xtra.co.nz

 

Great Barrier Buses

Great Barrier Buses meet all the flights at Claris airfield, selected flights into Okiwi airfield and all the ferries at the wharf at Tryphena. Direct transfers from flights to Medlands Beach and Tryphena and shuttle buses from the wharf for Tryphena, Medlands, Claris & Port FitzRoy.
Mulberry Grove, Tryphena
Telephone: +64 9 429 0474
Email: info@greatbarrierbuses.co.nz

 

GBI Transfer/Shuttle Buses

Island wide transfers and shuttle buses meet all flight and ferry arrivals at Claris Airport and Tryphena wharf. Bookings required for groups and hot springs / walking track drop-offs / pick-ups. Island tours also available.
Telephone: +64 9 429 0062
Email: travel@greatbarrierisland.co.nz

Great Barrier Travel

Great Barrier Travel offers a range of options for travel to, from and around Great Barrier Island. They specialise in car hire and passenger transport for visitors to the island.
Mulberry Grove, Tryphena
Telephone: 0800 426 832
Email: info@greatbarriertravel.co.nz

 

Sanderson Transport

Sanderson Transportl is locally owned and operated for 30 years. Ferry and airport transfers. Island tours on an air conditioned bus for large and small groups.

143 Hector Sanderson Road
Telephone: +64 9 4290 640
Email: tiddlestreasures@clear.net.nz

 

Port FitzRoy Transport

Port FitzRoy-based passenger transport including airport, ferry and accommodation transfers, drop-off and pick-ups from walking tracks, activities and attractions. Call Mike Newman for bookings.
Telephone: +64 9 4290052
Mobile: 021 876 296
Email: mike_newman@xtra.co.nz

 

Anchorage and wharves

The surrounding coves and bays on the island make Great Barrier a boaties' favourite, and sailing to the island is a popular form of transport. Extreme care should be taken along the eastern side of the island in easterly conditions. Whangaparapara Harbour, Tryphena Harbour, Shoal Bay and Port FitzRoy all provide safe anchorage.

Access by pleasure boat is available at Port FitzRoy, Whangaparapara, Okupu and Shoal Bay. All wharves other than Port FitzRoy are administered by Auckland City Council and fees may apply.

For details on the fees and use of these wharves, contact the HGI Wharves and Airfields co-ordinator on +64 9 307 7626.

Sailing Charters

 

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