Do you provide linen?

Yes linen is included with all bookings.

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Where are you located?

We are on the East coast of Great Barrier Island, between Claris and Tryphena. The East coast beaches are surf beaches.

 

How can we get around? Is there a bus service?

There are limited bus services on the island. Several companies offer shuttle/taxi services. Hire cars are available from a number of companies on the island, or there is a car ferry if you would like to bring your own car.

 

Click here for more information.

 

How can we get there?

Sealink from Auckland takes 4 1/2 hours. Frequent services operate during January and February, but services are less frequent during other times. Car and passenger ferries arrive at Tryphena. Please confirm on the day of departure because cancellations can occur due to sea conditions.

 

It is a 35 minute flight to Claris, out of Auckland or North Shore. Please note that there is a 15kg luggage limit on flights to GBI. Occasionally flights are cancelled due to weather conditions, so please confirm prior to departure.

Sun Air also has flights from Ardmore.

 

See more information here.

 

Do I need to book in advance?

It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season (December to February) and long weekends.

 

Do you accept credit cards or EFTPOS cards?

Cash or bank deposit are the preferred payment methods but bookings can be made online with credit cards.

 

No EFTPOS available.

 

What facilities do you have?

There are shared kitchen, shower and toilet facilities (villas are fully self contained). There is a fridge/freezer and gas stove. Cooking and eating utensils are provided.

 

Please note that there are no grocery shops in Medlands area. There are small grocery shops in Claris and Tryphena.

 

What do I need to bring?

It is a good idea to bring all your essentials. It is advisable to bring a torch. If you are flying, the luggage limit is 15kg per person, but by ferry the limit is higher. Bringing some of your own food supplies is recommended. We do not sell any food items and the nearest shops are a reasonable distance to get to.

 

Do you have a laundry service?

We do not provide a laundry service, but there is a Laundromat in Claris (10 minutes drive).

 

Can I use my hairdryer or hair straightener?

Hair dryers and hair straighteners cannot be used due to the power system used. Great Barrier Island does not have a mains power supply and residents need to supply their own power.

 

What is there to do?

Activities include a network of walking tracks and Mountain Bike trails offering varied opportunities to experience the island's mature and regenerating native bush. Kayaking, diving, fishing, golf, harbour tours, surfing are just some of the activities available.

 

Please click here for more information regarding things to do.

 

Can I use my cell phone?

Cellphone reception is available at most of the property. There is a public phone booth near Medlands beach.

 

Can I use my electronics? Can I charge my iPod/camera etc?

There are power points available in the kitchen/dining room in the backpackers for charging phones etc.  No other appliances can be used.

 

Villas have power points, but no hairdryers or hair straighteners can be used in the villas either.

 

Do you have internet access?

Yes we have free WIFI available.

 

Do I need to pay a deposit?

We require one night's accommodation as a deposit. During high season* we require full payment one week prior, if possible.

 

*High season - December 20 - January 31

 

What happens if I need to cancel?

We will refund any payments made up to a week before. Please contact us for more information regarding this.

 

Is the beach safe for swimming?

The beaches are safe for swimming but some caution is required.  In rough weather there can be rips especially around memory rock.

 

Where can we go to eat?

There are a number of different eating out options on the barrier.

 

See the thebarrier.co.nz dining guide here.