Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
Great Barrier Island is a unique and fascinating part of New Zealand and as many people have already discovered, the Barrier has a way of getting under your skin... There is a definite 'feel' to the Barrier.
The island received its European name from Captain Cook because it acts as a barrier between the Pacific Ocean and the Hauraki Gulf. The Māori name is Aotea.
The island was initially exploited for its minerals and kauri trees and saw only limited agriculture.The majority of the island (around 60% of the total area) is administered as a nature reserve by the Department of Conservation.