Essential Information

ATMs / Banks	There are no ATMS nor banks on the island. Eftpos is widely accepted, credit cards may incur a small fee.
Beaches	Safe swimming beaches are at Tryphena, Harataonga, Okupu and caution should be taken at Awana and Medlands (surf beaches).
Boating	There are a number of safe anchorages. Moorings are in short supply. A number of designated boat launching places are available.
Camping	Camping is in designated areas. Doc have 5 campgrounds with cold showers, long drop toilets, some have cooking facilities. Pets are not permitted at any DOC campgrounds. Campers must take their rubbish home or purchase an official council rubbish bag.
Dining out	Most places to dine our are located in Tryphena
Driving	The roads are mostly sealed but are narrow, steep and winding in places. Please consider other drivers by keeping to the left side of the road and pull over to allow other vehicles to pass. A 4wd is not required to get around but check with your accommodation if one is required for access
Electricity	There is no mains power. Most households are powered by the sun and store energy from the sun in batteries which provide power at night. Check with your accommodation before bringing your hairdryer and other high voltage electrical equipment.
Ferry	Sealink operate a car and passenger ferry from Wynyard wharf, Auckland, to Tryphena. Summer – operates Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Winter – Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Sailing takes approx 4.5 hours.
Fire	During summer there is a total fire ban in place i.e. NO outside fires may be lit. During winter, a fire permit is required for ALL outdoor fires.
Flights	Barrer Air and Fly My Sky fly from Auckland’s domestic terminal and Dairy Flat, North Shore. Flight tme approx 30 minutes. Sun Air fly from Tauranga, Whitianga and Thames
Hitchhiking	With the absence of public transport, hitchhiking is a commonly accepted way to get around and a great way to meet the locals. Please consider that the roads are narrow and winding and try to hitch from a visible spot where is is safe for a vehicle to pull over.
Internet	Internet is generally slower that on the mainland and has a tendancy to cut n and out. Free wifi is available at Auckland council library (Claris), Claris airport, Claris Store, Barrier Social Club (Tryphena).
Mobile phones	There is limited mobile phone coverage on the island. Check with your accommodation provider for coverage. Please consider this when trying to contact people on the island – it may be better to send a text.
Pest free	There are no possums, stoats, ferrets, weasels, Norway rats, hedgehogs, deer and feral goats.
Pets	Dogs must be on a lead n any public place and on beaches.
Postal Services	Port Fitzroy store, Pigeon Post (Claris), Outpost (Tryphena) and
Public Transport	There is no public transport. Airport and ferry shuttles must be pre booked before you arrive. Ph 09 4290767 or email to arrange this
Rental Cars	Are in short supply during peak times. Be sure to book well in advance.
Rubbish & Recycling	Please consider our landfill: Recycle, reuse, and reduce waste more info
Shops	Grocery stores (also supply alcohol) are at Tryphena, Claris and Port Fitzroy. Great Barrier Lodge (Whangaparapara) has a small selection of essentials and the Rocks bottle store is in Claris.
Surfing	Awana, Medlands and Whangapoua. Please note there are no lifeguards.
Swimming	Safe swimming beaches are at Tryphena, Harataonga, Okupu and caution should be taken at Awana and Medlands (surf beaches).
Walking Tracks	There are over 100kms of walinkg tracks Aotea Track – 25km loop track with 2 huts to stay in. There are a number of short walks with the most popular being the Kaitoke Hot Pools and Windy Canyon
Water	Most households are on rainwater which is collected in storage tanks. This means that there is a limited amount of water available and sure be used conservatively. It s recommended that you boil your water for drinking.

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