TRANSPORT: Whilst a great deal of the island is inaccessible except by foot or sea, there is a reasonable network of roads connecting all the main centres and points of interest. Boats and planes are serviced by taxis, buses and shuttles. It is advisable to pre-book these services. However, if you prefer to hitchhike, you are almost certain to get a lift from a friendly resident within minutes.

SUPPLIES, ETC:There are very few shops of any kind on the island and NO banks. Such shops as there are do not provide a 24-hour service and usually close at 5:00 p.m. (usually earlier on the weekend). They accept payment by cash or EFTPOS only. Make sure you bring an EFTPOS card or sufficient cash with you. Note too that virtually everything on the island is 'imported', and consequently costs a little more than on the mainland.

HEALTH SERVICES: A resident health team is based at Claris and at Port Fitzroy, and there is a pharmacy at Claris (open week mornings only). There is no dentist. If you need prescription medicines, bring them with you.

WATER: There is no public reticulated water supply on the island. Fresh water is available from various sites, and is generally considered safe. However, to guard against the parasite Giardia which can cause serious illness, it is recommended that all drinking water be boiled.

ELECTRICITY: There is no reticulated electricity on the island, hence no street lights, etc. This means that there is no light pollution so we have amazingly clear night skies, but it's probably a good idea to bring a torch.

PUBLIC TELEPHONES:Card or coin operated call boxes are situated at various places around the island. It is a toll call to Auckland. Don't bother bringing a cell phone with you. Whilst it may work sporadically at some parts of the island, it usually won't!

PROHIBITED ANIMALS: Great Barrier island is free from predators such as stoats, weasels, ferrets, deer, wallaby, possums, hedgehogs, and norway rats. These species are prohibited. Cats, whilst not prohibited, are not welcome!
Many species of birds, frogs, lizards and plants which are extinct or endangered elsewhere make their home on the island. Shooting of any waterfowl anywhere on the island is prohibited.

DOGS: If you bring your dog the Barrier, you must carry proof of registration. Dogs must be under control at all times and are prohibited on all Department of Conservation land. As is the case in any rural situation, any dog found harassing stock or poultry on private property runs the risk of being destroyed.

FIRE SAFETY: Fire is the single greatest danger on Great Barrier Island. Fire fighting services are very limited; consequently there is a permanent restriction on fires. Permits are required for all outdoor fires with the exception of gas barbeques. Fire safety is your personal responsibility: if you cause one it could cost you a fine of $250,000 or more. Be more careful than usual when disposing of cigarette butts and matches.

CLOTHING: Being an island, there is major land mass to moderate the weather. Rain can happen quite abruptly and quite heavily, so bring a waterproof jacket. If you are planning on a walk in the bush it is especially important to make sure you have some warm clothes with you and some 'energy food' such as chocolate. People often take the New Zealand bush for granted, but it is generally a lot more dense than even the South American rain forests and it can be easy to lose your bearing. Almost invariably, somebody gets lost each year and winds up spending a long, cold uncomfortable night under the trees..... make like a boy scout: be prepared!.