Tramping (aka hiking):
Kaitoke Hot Springs Track (1 hr) - starts off Whangaparapara Rd. See sulphurous hot springs where a series of natural pools are dammed.
Old Lady Track - a short hike to get to a lookout over Port Fitzroy.
Mount Hobson: (day hike) the highest peak on the island, can be approached from both sides, the hike from the Port Fitzroy side being more difficult. Can continue to the other side of island and cross Windy Canyon, ending at Aotea Rd.
Visit Medland's Beach: When facing the water at Medlands, there are some interesting rocks/sea caves to your left, which beckon to be explored, but be careful when tide is rising.
Okiwi Beach: gorgeous and often deserted. The surfing at both beaches is recommended.
Karaka Bay: Sea Kayaking here is amazing, there are several sea caves to be explored.
Many day hikes from Karaka bay to secluded places are available, and quite breath taking. Three Kings are tall rock formations that can be climbed and offer a view of the Bay.
Quick Tips:
Careful of the rip tide at Okiwi beach, and there is a large estuary of shallow water there at low tide.
Watch for blue bottles (poisonus jelly fish), sea urchins and Rays in the water. Blue bottles wash up dead on beach but are still poisonus if you step on them.
Rains there often in the winter, can get very windy so pack accordingly. Seas can get very rough at times, so use small water crafts safely.
When hiking, avoid gorsebrush, a nasty bush with bright yellow flowers and HUGE thorns - trying to cross through a patch of it is a lesson in frustration. Wear long pants if you want to try it.
Best Way To Get Around:
Several ways to get to the Barrier: Fullers Ferry and Subritzky Ferry Lines both depart from the docks in Auckland, and have several routes which may include other islands on the way. There are two ports on the island: Port Fitzroy and Tryphena, with Tryphena being the more populated area. Approx time to island is 3 hours, but delays can and do happen, due to rough seas or engine problems.
Can also fly to the Barrier: Great Barrier Airlines or Mountain Air Great Barrier Xpress. It takes about 40 minutes, and there are two airstrips: One at Okiwi (a sheepfield made air-strip) and the other at Tryphena. Be prepared for a bumpy noisy ride in a 4 to 8 seater plane.
On the barrier, roads are mixed gravel and paved, with some tricky cliff edges and sharp turns. Driving can be very dusty. Taxis are available but somewhat expensive. A small shuttle bus between larger places is also available. Walking is an option between villages, if you have the time. Some hiking trails connect various places. Travel is possible by personal speed boats to the various coastal places.