Fodor's Expert Review Great Barrier Island
Hauraki Gulf Islands
Island
Also known as Aotea, Great Barrier Island is the largest in the gulf with a population of around 1,100, and is mostly agricultural. It's popular with surfers—particularly Awana Beach—and the population swells in summer as the boating crowd moves in, mooring in its many sheltered bays. Access is by ferry, air, or yacht.