Medlands Beach is located on the eastern coast of Great Barrier Island. The Island forms a barrier between Aucklands Hauraki Gulf and the open sea, creating a awesome break on it's eastern shores. With it's pristine white sand and good surf, Medlands Beach is a favorite for surfies (surfers).
Updated Aug 30, 2011
Great Barrier Island has an abundance of beautiful bays and harbours to explore by boat . You can take a charter tour, or hire (rent) small boats at Okiwi, Tryphena and Port Fitzroy Harbours And you can dock or launch boats from ramps at Whangaparara, Okapu and Medands. Go fishing, diving,etc.
Updated Aug 30, 2011
The kayaking people in Tryphena are really friendly and fun. You can go out on your own or (as I did) go out in a double with the guide. I went with Jane, a cheery, chatty Canadian who is running the place and I really enjoyed it. I also hired a wetsuit and snorkel for a couple of days from them.
Also on the other side of the island if you go past Claris and keep on until you cross a small bridge there are kayaks for hire there too. You can go up the river towards the wetlands or down river and come out on Kaitoke beach. Nice way to pass an hour or so.
Equipment: You can hire it all on the Barrier.
Written Jan 10, 2007
Address: Tryphena & Claris
The waters around the island are clean and clear and worth exploring. You will find crayfish hiding in the rocks, kina (a spiny sea urchin and Maori delicacy) and scallops - yum!
Equipment: Bring scuba and snorkel gear (unfortunately I don't think there is anywhere on the island that you can hire this sort of thing, so it is best to bring your own). There is a dive information station at Port Fitzroy, right by the wharf where you can hire dive tanks or get your own filled.
Updated Jan 13, 2006
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28 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Great Barrier Island attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Great Barrier Island sightseeing.

The waters around the island are clean and clear and worth exploring. You will find crayfish hiding in the rocks, kina (a spiny sea urchin and Maori delicacy)...
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1

Great Barrier Island lies of the North East Coast of New Zealand, about 90km from Auckland, past the outer reaches of the Hauraki Gulf. This is the 5th largest island in New Zealand, after the North...
2

Great Barrier Island is only 30 minutes (by air) away from Auckland but it is a world apart ! GBI is the 4th largest island in NZ, about the size of Maui with only 600 residents. Over 60% of the...
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Great Barrier Island lies about 100km northeast of Auckland on the outside edge of the Hauraki Gulf. Known as Aotea it is the largest island off the North Island of New Zealand. More than 60 percent...
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Very isolated island with so much to offer. Lots amd lots of activities. kayak, snorkle, swim, surf and do a lot of walking, great barrier has everything.
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