An island escape: Great Barrier Island, New Zealand

Sometimes your chips just come up nicely.

Whilst doing the weekly ritual of browsing discount websites for a cheeky spring escape, I stumbled upon half price flight to Great Barrier Island. Not in Australia, but only a short flight from Auckland.

After a busy start to the work season, I wanted to just chill – and let the landscape and the environment do the talking. This looked promising.

I have an undeniable love for all things random remote island – from windy Scottish outposts to tropical South East Asian corners, there is something whimsical and simple about island life.

So I rounded up some pals, threw the tent in the backpack and trotted off to Auckland Airport for the one hours flight to Great Barrier Island out in the Hauraki Gulf.

From Auckland to Great Barrier Island

Boarding passes, laid back Great Barrier Island style.

Great Barrier Island New Zealand

The tiny plane! Landing on Great Barrier Island.

Great Barrier Island New Zealand

A new take on luggage carousels…

Great Barrier Island New Zealand

We picked up this novel little hire car to tour the islandGreat Barrier Island New Zealand

And hit the wide open empty roads!

Great Barrier Island New Zealand

We pitched our tent at the DOC campsite, Medlands Beach

Great Barrier Island New Zealand
Great Barrier Island New Zealand

Over the next 3 days, we took the time to…

Explore the beaches Great Barrier Island New Zealand

Great Barrier Island New Zealand

Hike in the Windy Canyon

Great Barrier Island New Zealand
Great Barrier Island New Zealand

And down to the hot springs for a dip…

Great Barrier Island New Zealand

We read, swam, fished…and found this little gem Wild Rose Cafe

Great Barrier Island New Zealand

And we were treated to little beauties like this every night.

Great Barrier Island New Zealand

As our car number plate stated, it really is a world of its own.

How to get to Great Barrier Island 

By Sea http://www.sealink.co.nz/great-barrier/fares

By Air: A couple of airlines now fly to the islands – we used these guys  http://www.greatbarrierairlines.co.nz

More information on Great Barrier Island

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A guide to visiting Great Barrier Island New Zealand

 Have you visited Great Barrier Island or have any favourites for getting off the beaten track in New Zealand?