The Great Barrier Island Ferry and flying from Auckland are the most popular options for getting to this piece of paradise. Deciding which option to take depends on a number of factors such as the length of your stay, the reason for going, the luggage you want to take and how you plan to get around once you are there. I have done both options many times and each has its pros and cons. This is my experience and advice…

THE GREAT BARRIER ISLAND FERRY

Sealink is the only public passenger and vehicle ferry operator for Great Barrier Island. They run several sailings per week into Tryphena (south end of the island). A sailing one-way takes just over four hours and can be a really pleasant experience. Over the peak summer season, you can expect sailings every day but their timetable is subject to change. The ferry can be cancelled at short notice due to bad weather, Cancellations are usually confirmed the evening before.

WHY CHOOSE THE GREAT BARRIER ISLAND FERRY?

You can take your own vehicle – taking your own vehicle is a great option if you plan to go to Great Barrier Island for a week or more. You can hire a car for approximately $60 per day so if you are only going for a few days this might be a better option. Having your own vehicle is the best way to get around as there is no public transport on the island.

You can take more luggage – If you are taking your own vehicle then you can pile it up with as much as luggage as you like. This is the best option if you plan on camping or fishing. If you are travelling just as a passenger then you can take up to two pieces of check-in luggage up to 32kgs. You are limited to 20kgs or less if you fly.

It is often cheaper than flying – A return ferry ticket for one adult usually costs less than a return flight. This making the ferry a good option if you are looking for the cheapest way to get to Great Barrier Island.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GREAT BARRIER ISLAND FERRY

Sailing is wonderful on a nice day – If you love nothing more than being on the water on a calm sunny day then the ferry ride can be a really enjoyable experience. As you leave Auckland you will get some great views of the city and ask you head out into the Hauraki Gulf you get to see other islands and the top of the Coromandel Peninsular. If you are really lucky you will get to see some special marine life such as flying fish, dolphins and maybe even a whale.

Sailing on a rough day is not so nice – If you don’t travel well by sea, the ride may not be so pleasant. If you know you get seasick it is vital that you take something to settle the nausea before you board. I don’t travel well if the swell is big so I always take something such as Sea Legs and ensure I have a packet of ginger biscuits on board. If I start to feel queasy I find the best place to be on the ferry is outside, upstairs near the back of the boat.

What you will find onboard – The ferry has three levels and plenty of room to spread out. On the top floor, you will find the control room, indoor area with seats and tables as well as the upper outdoor decks which are great for getting some fresh air and enjoying the views. The middle floor is where the vehicles are parked. On this floor, you will also find the toilets and a small cafe that sells a good selection of food and beverages. The lower deck is a great place to send the kids and often there is a movie put on the TV screen to keep them entertained. There is plenty of seating and floor space down there to stretch out.

FLYING TO GREAT BARRIER ISLAND

Flying is my favourite way to get to Great Barrier Island for a number of reasons. With several flights daily into Claris Airport, there are two great airlines to choose from, Barrier Air and FlyMySky. These airlines depart from Auckland, Northshore, and Kaitaia landing at Claris Airport and occasionally the Okiwi airfield. Barrier Air also offers Charter Flights which is a great option if you want to get a group to the island at your convenience.

WHY FLY TO GREAT BARRIER ISLAND?

It is the fastest way to get there – From Auckland and North Shore Airports it is just a 30-minute flight to Great Barrier Island. From Kaitaia it is an hour and a half via Auckland. Many of the locals will head back to the mainland for a day of shopping and appointments as it is so easy to get to and from the island when flying.

The views are incredible – This has to be one of the best and cheapest ways to see Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf from the air. If you are flying from Kaitaia then you get to see much of Northland as well. Because the planes are small they fly low giving you great views along the way.

This is the best option if you only have a few days – If you don’t have much time then flying is the best way to get to Great Barrier Island. You will want as much time on the island as you can get so you don’t want to be wasting your time spending half a day on the ferry.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FLYING TO GREAT BARRIER ISLAND

The planes are small – Barrier Air flies the larger aircraft of the two airlines, the Cessna Caravan. This plane is a 13 seater with good storage space for large items such as surfboards. Fly My Sky operates a slightly smaller plane, usually the 10 seater Britten Norman Islander aircraft. This aircraft is a noisier plane and earmuffs are given and recommended before take off. If it is windy it can be a bumpy ride but the pilots are fantastic and do their best to keep it as smooth as possible.

There are luggage restrictions – It is a good idea to check this before booking your flight. Both airlines can take larger items but it pays to check as there may not always be room depending on what has already been booked. The standard luggage allowance with Barrier Air is 7kg carry on and 18kgs check-in. With Fly My Sky it is 7kgs carry on with the Seat+Carry-On ticket or 20kgs combined carry-on and check-in if you pay a little more for the Seat+20kg ticket.

HELPFUL ADVICE FOR VISITING GREAT BARRIER ISLAND

WHERE TO STAY – There are plenty of accommodation options on Great Barrier Island with the majority of places situated in the Medlands and Tryphena areas. Air Bnb is also popular and the Department of Conservation has six campsites around the island which can be booked online as can the two huts.

HOW TO GET AROUND – Most people visiting Great Barrier Island will rent a car as there are a number of car rental companies to choose from. You can also organise shuttles for pickups and drops offs which can be useful for hikers getting to and from tracks. For the more adventurous, electric scooters are a popular option for getting around and hitchhiking is also common on Great Barrier Island and very safe.

WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR RUBBISH – Waste management is a challenge on Great Barrier Island with the landfill due to close in the next few years. It is important to make sure you are clear on what to do with your waste if you are visiting Great Barrier Island. There are no public rubbish bins so you must dispose of your own waste appropriately or take it home with you… For more information please read this…

Other articles that may interest you:
The Best Things to do on Great Barrier Island,
Walks, Hiking and Huts on Great Barrier Island,
The Best of Waiheke Wine in a Day

ABOUT THE WRITER – Karllie is a solo budget traveller with a passion for inspiring others to explore her homeland of Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Having travelled to many places around the world she still believes there is nowhere more amazing and beautiful as home. In her 40s, Karllie has a background in education and enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking. Find out more about Karllie…

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