43. Great Barrier Island, New Zealand

The Hauraki Gulf— showing our magenta tracks to and from Great Barrier Island.

One of our favorite places in New Zealand’s north island has been the Great Barrier Island, or Aotea, in the Māori-indigenous population-language. As New Zealand’s sixth largest island, it received its English name from Captain Cook because it is an actual barrier between the Pacific Ocean and the Hauraki Gulf. Only 50 nautical miles from Auckland, it is an easy sail with the proper wind. Sailing becomes more uncomfortable when beating into 25-30 knots of wind, which is quite frequent in this area.

Entrances to the protected harbor: north and south of Kaikoura Island.

The west coast of this island has two entrances to the protected harbor—one north and one south of Kaikoura Island. The south entrance is only 140 feet wide and should be approached with caution. The north entrance is much wider but totally exposed to winds from the western quadrants.

The magenta lines through the south entrance at Waypoint 2816.

In Great Barrier Island we enjoyed the isolated anchorages, the hikes—especially in the Glen Fern Sanctuary, and Giorgio loved fishing snappers off the boat.

The Invasion of Exotic Caulerpa

Local divers photographing the fast spreading Exotic Caulerpa.

Exotic Caulerpa are rapidly spreading seaweeds that apparently threaten marine life. While it may not ever be eradicated, the focus is on to reduce its impact in specific locations.

Due to recent anchoring restrictions imposed by the New Zealand government to control the spread of Exotic Caulerpa, we are only able to anchor in the northwest harbor of the island.

Cruising Around Port Fitzroy

The main dock is in Port Fitzroy, and boats go there to provision and refuel. Every other Wednesday, the supply ferry brings fresh fruit, vegetables, and milk.

The magenta lines indicate our tracks in the Port Fitzroy area. Our boat (in black), is in the center.

The bimonthly supply ferry from Auckland leaving Port Fitzroy dock.

Glen Fern Sanctuary

Glen Fern Sanctuary is a 200-acre regional park and wildlife sanctuary located near Port Fitzroy. It has several walking trails, including a swing bridge to a 600-year-old Kauri tree.

Breeding Ground for Petrels

Great Barrier Island is one of the remaining breeding locations for Cooks Petrels (right) and is the primary location for Black Petrels (left). Within the Sanctuary, petrels can breed in an environment with minimal rat densities and no other introduced pests. They usually burrow in trees, as shown in the middle photo. Petrels are true seabirds, and apart from coming onto land to breed, they spend their lives in the air or on the ocean. They are an essential link between New Zealand’s land and sea.