All About Aotea

There's loads of options for accommodation on Aotea Great Barrier Island. The DoC campgrounds are a great option for those on a tight budget, but remember to check the weather because we're an island on the outskirts of the Hauraki Gulf, so things can get pretty wild.

DoC has a great site for places to stay and things to do while you're here.

For those looking for a more high-end experience, there are lodges on the barrier which boast great cuisine, and a more main-land (ish) experience.

Great Barrier Tourism has a listing of lodges on island.

Beyond the commercial resorts and campgrounds, there's loads of guest accommodation in the form of holiday homes (in New Zealand we call them baches), for rent by off-islanders.

BookABach, Airbnb, TukdUp and HolidayHouses all offer great deals on guest house accommodation. Another great tip is to book a room at a local's place, if you're polite, they might just give you some tips for some hidden gems to visit on island.

What should I do?

From white sandy beaches to wildlife sanctuaries, natural hot pools, a 9 hole golf course and unbelievable night skies, there's something for everyone on Aotea.

Check out some of what's on offer at Destination Great Barrier

What is the weather like on Aotea?

Great Barrier Island/ Aotea has a temperate maritime climate, which means it generally experiences mild temperatures and high humidity throughout the year.

The summer months (December to February) are usually warm and humid, with average high temperatures of around 24-25°C (75-77°F), while the winter months (June to August) are cooler with average high temperatures of around 15-16°C (59-61°F).

Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, with slightly higher rainfall during the winter months. The island can also experience strong winds (keep this in mind if you're bringing a tent - plan where to pitch it) and storms at times, particularly during the winter months. Overall, Great Barrier Island has a pleasant climate for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and fishing.

Aotea is off-grid, but what are the practicalities of that?

Great Barrier Island is off-grid and is largely self-sufficient when it comes to electricity and water supply.

The island is not connected to the national electricity grid and relies on a combination of renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind power, and hydroelectric power to generate electricity. Some have diesel generator backup systems in place to provide electricity during periods of low renewable energy generation.

What this means for your stay is that electricity and water resources are precious to us, if you're planning on bringing your high-drain electronics like hairdryers, or you're a fan of hour-long showers, we might not be the place for you.

The best thing to do before you arrive is just check-in with your host. Some people will have spring water access, others will have limited rainwater tanks, which means, when that runs out... Things can turn bad. Key is asking the question. We reckon, cease the day and do as the locals do. Who wouldn't favour an hours-long soak at the Kaitoke Hotsprings, over a humdrum shower?

Why are people on Great Barrier Island so rude?

People on Great Barrier Island are generally not opposed to visitors. In fact, tourism is an important part of the island's economy, and many locals rely on it for their livelihoods. However, visitors are expected to respect the island's environment, culture and people. Unfortunately, many visitors don't always get this.

The people of Aotea take pride in their natural surroundings, and visitors are expected to be mindful of their impact on the environment. For example, visitors are encouraged to take their rubbish with them and to use eco-friendly products where possible. This is because we have a huge problem with rubbish, which you can find out more about here.

Similarly, the island has a rich Māori culture and heritage, and visitors are expected to respect Māori customs and traditions. The local iwi (Māori tribe), Ngati Rehua, welcomes visitors to the island and offers cultural tours and experiences. Visitors are encouraged to learn about Māori culture and to respect the island's history and traditions.

Overall, visitors are welcome on Aotea, but they are expected to be responsible and respectful of the island's environment and culture. There's miserable meanies everywhere, Aotea is no different, and the majority of us are magnificent creatures!

Will I have internet or cellphone reception?

Cellphone reception on Aotea, Great Barrier Island can be limited due to the island's remote location and rugged terrain. While there is coverage provided by major New Zealand telecommunications companies, Spark, Vodafone, and 2degrees, the signal strength varies depending on your location.

In general, cellphone reception is best in the settlements and other populated areas, and can be weaker or non-existent in more remote areas or out on the water.

Starlink satellite internet has been a game-changer on Aotea and many accommodations provide Wi-Fi so you can use internet-based communication methods, such as WhatsApp, Messenger, iMessage, and of course post all those holidays snaps to Instagram to drive your family and friends crazy. Internet speeds may be slower than what you're used to in urban areas, due to limited infrastructure, which is especially the case if you're visiting at peak season when our cell towers can be overburdened.

How do I get around on the Island?

Great Barrier Island, also known by its Māori name Aotea, is the sixth-largest island in New Zealand and has a land area of 285 square kilometers (110 square miles). That's big... Really big... As in, 5 times bigger than Manhattan big, so it's important to plan how you get around.

Because people tend to descend on the island at the same time (typically the summer months of December to February), demand for rental cars tends to peak at the same time, meaning it can be hard to get a car at late notice. With that in mind, you should have an open one, and be flexible about how you get around.

Hitchhike - We're a friendly bunch, and if you are too, odds of someone giving you a lift if you pop your thumb out are pretty high, just remember, there's only about 1,000 of us so there's also a chance if you're up in the hills, you might not see someone for literally days... So, hitchhikers should stick to the trunk routes.
Electric Motorbikes - Motubikes (‘Motu’ translates from te reo Māori as ‘island’) concept is centered around being a very low environmental impact business. Motubikes is powered by UBCO bikes - a New Zealand company which began by offering an electric two wheel drive motorbike to farmers and is now taking on the world stage. Remember, electric bikes mean batteries, so make sure you talk to the team about range when it comes to hiring an electric motorbikes. +64 (0)22 344 0645
Rental cars - Great Barrier Island has a limited number of rental car companies due to its small size and remote location, if you're expecting a Maserati, you might want to bring your own on the Sealink Ferry.

How do I join the community on social media?

There's no one place to talk all things Aotea, but here are some links you might want to try.

Barrier ChitChat - Community Noticeboard

Aotea FM - The island's renewables and community-powered radio station

Discover Great Barrier Island - Aotea Tourism Board

I'm ready to throw it all in and move to Aotea, Great Barrier Island?

Wow, okay, well that's a big move. Aotea, Great Barrier Island is a beautiful and unique location, but moving here can require some planning and consideration. Here are some questions to ask before making the move:

Cost of living: Aotea is a remote location, which can mean the cost of living is higher than in urban areas. Consider the cost of housing (we don't have a ton of rentals and building can cost twice the price of town). Food, and transport on and off the island, can add a fortune to your yearly budget.
Job prospects: Aotea is a small community and job opportunities are limited. Consider whether you have a job lined up or whether you're flexible on what you do. Can you work remotely or start your own business? Barrier ChitChat is a great place to see if you're in demand, and what jobs are going.
Healthcare: Great Barrier has a small medical clinic and a number of support providers, but specialized care may require travel to the mainland (again, not cheap). Consider your healthcare needs and whether you're comfortable with the available options.
Weather: Aotea has a temperate climate, but we also experience extreme weather conditions, ranging from heavy rain to unbelievably high winds. For some, winter can seem downright miserable on the motu. Remember, there's no electric grid, so you better like chopping wood, or be willing to pay through the nose for LPG.
Transportation: Great Barrier Island is only accessible by ferry (4 hours) or light aircraft (25 minutes), which can make travel to and from the island challenging, not to mention hugely expensive (around $100 p/person each way). A family of 4 is looking at around $800 for a single round trip to Auckland.
Social butterfly? You'll have more luck with real butterflies. Aotea has a vibrant, kind and open-minded community, but it may not offer the same social opportunities as larger cities. Many come to Aotea to hide, but the truth is, humans are social creatures and we need connection. Those who hide away often suffer deteriorating mental health, the opposite of why they moved here. The good news is there's tons to do here. From sports and yoga, to the markets, bush walks, surfing, church, karaoke, movie nights and more.
Education: It's one of the toughest decisions made by Aotea Whānau, what to do when kids hit high school. Aotea doesn't have formal secondary schooling, and while there's little question it's one of the most idyllic places to raise children, many kids ultimately end up being sent off island to boarding school for secondary education. Ask yourself, if you're okay with sending your young ones to the mainland for schooling? Then ask yourself again, and again.

Okay, so you're still keen to head over? Epic! Aotea is a unique place that offers breathtaking natural beauty, amongst the best marine life in the gulf, incredibly diverse outdoor activities, a rich history and culture, and a close-knit community that values sustainability, conservation, and self-sufficiency. Welcome!

Where exactly is Aotea, Great Barrier Island?

Aotea, Great Barrier is located in the outer Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) northeast of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland).

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