
Vacation rentals in Barrier Islands
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Barrier Islands
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Dark Sky Cabins
Take it easy at this unique and tranquil getaway Set high on a mountain, 20 acres of pure bliss Aotea , Great Barrier is a international dark sky sanctuary, you will be amazed at the amount of stars you will see. 2 cabins sleeping 4 -1 Retro caravan sleeping 2-4 1 dining cabin, Out door shower and bath( keeping it real, it is the barrier) Flushing toilet. 18 minutes from Claris Airport, 5 minutes to the wharf.handy to hot pools, and hikes 4wd access, car rental can be arranged You will love it

Great Barrier Tryphena 5 BR House Sea/Bush views
Come relax and unwind on Great Barrier Island in the best location, centered in Tryphena. Our home is just a 5 minute walk away from a few gorgeous beaches, Pah beach & Gooseberry Flat. The Pah Beach Cafe, the Currach (the Irish pub), and the Stonewall store are a 3 min walk away. The wharf where the Sealink car ferry docks is also close by car. Our home has been renovated with a new solar system, gas heater, blinds, beds, lighting, oven, water heater, paint, dishwasher, upgraded deck & more.

The Blackhouse - luxury couples retreat
Welcome to The Blackhouse — the most romantic location on Great Barrier Island, with the beach on your doorstep. A couples retreat where the interior is pure white so the colours outside — the green canopy, the blue sea, the black night sky — flow into the space. The Blackhouse is a luxurious escape for two, complete with a welcome treat, a huge deck for slow evenings and easy access to beaches and walking tracks. Relax, explore and return to an intimate space designed exclusively for couples.

Aotea Nature Retreat - Great Barrier Island
Totally private and secluded spot in the heart of Tryphena. This architecturally designed house is built in the canopy of a 600 year old Pohutukawa Tree and nestled in a grove of Nikau Palms. Stroll along beautiful boardwalks to this stunning property with a north facing aspect and a sunny afternoon deck A beautiful main house with 2 separate cabins. At the cabins there is an outdoor shower, main bathroom in the house 5 minutes from the Beach, Shop, Cafe and world famous Currach Irish Pub

Medland's Beach Hideout, Great Barrier Island
2 minute flat walk down a private lane to pristine Medlands Beach. Beautifully located away from the main house on a property with established sub tropical gardens which attract an abundance of native bird life. North facing deck with table & chairs, bean bags, sun umbrellas & BBQ. Ideal for relaxing after time at the beach & star gazing at night. Presentation is immaculate with quality linen & bathroom towels. 2 bedrooms, 1 Queen & 1 King single bed Perfect for a couple or 2 adults

XSPOT cliff top apartment, secluded 4WD location
Treat yourself and your loved one to cliff top solitude in Schooner Bay, Tryphena, Great Barrier Island * Waves lapping 100m below, spot dolphins/orcas/whales/manta rays * Beautiful eco-build, architecturally designed, cosy in winter * Ideal for honeymooners, stargazers and silence lovers * 4WD location guarantees solitude; owners are on site to assist with power, hot water, and island tips. Please get in touch for discounted flight rates for your visit. Everyone welcome! 🏳️🌈

Deep Blue Haven
Situated on the idyllic and peaceful Great Barrier Island, a unique summer time paradise, and warm cosy winter retreat. Experience the self-sufficiency of an "off-grid" lifestyle and enjoy a simple life, at a slower pace. Feel rejuvenated by escaping from a busy life ... just for awhile. Deep Blue Haven has elevated panoramic views overlooking sheltered and pristine Whangaparapara Harbour, native forest hills and valleys, across to the historic whaling station, then out to sea.

kaitoke cottage
"Paradise awaits just 400m from the best sandy beach. Our Macrocarpa house, crafted from local wood, offers a natural and charming atmosphere. Ideal for couples, families, or groups of 6. Walking distance to shops, art center, and airport. Unwind in the cedar hot tub (May-Oct) while stargazing. Ample parking for boats and kids to play. Enjoy off-grid living with solar power and drink fresh rainwater. Sleep-out option. Fall asleep to the soothing sound of waves breaking."

Kaitoke Beach home, reset and unwind in paradise.
Aotea is one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets. Kaitoke retreat is a beautiful beach home situated on Oceanview Road with panoramic views of Kaitoke Beach and the beautiful mountain ranges. Long walks along the expansive white Kaitoke Beach, surf cast, take the boat, or enjoy the many bush walks. Sample the local cuisine at the local restaurants or sit on the deck reading a book with your favorite drop, admiring why New Zealand is such a beautiful country

Secluded Seaside Cottage within Wildlife Sanctuary
This is the ideal holiday home for nature lovers. Glenfern Cottage is nestled within the predator fenced Glenfern sanctuary and overlooks the stunning Port Fitzroy Harbour. Located near some of Aotea's greatest walks. Find yourself waking up to the chorus of native birdlife or take a stroll up to sunset rock for stunning 360 degree views. A 100 metre walk takes you to a wharf for swimming, fishing and exploring the harbour and coastline.

Great Barrier Island Beach property
It has it's very own beach, with streams and a historic Maori Pa site which was in constant use before the 'Treaty of Waitangi'. The house was modernised in the 1990's and has been recently upgraded to include a new fridge & stove. It's right on the beach and enjoys all day sun. There's a caretaker who will open up the house and ensure all is running well prior to your stay (and is contactable during your stay).

The Tree House · Canopy Living · Medlands Beach
A home in the trees. Perched in mature kānuka and mānuka with views through the canopy to the Pacific Ocean. Main house and bunkhouse connected by a bridge through the treetops. Cast iron bath with canopy views. Hammocks beneath the deck. Five-minute bush walk to Medlands Beach. Off-grid, solar-powered with WiFi, Sonos, and Nespresso. Sleeps 8. Great Barrier Island — Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Popular amenities for Great Barrier Island vacation rentals
Other great vacation rentals in Barrier Islands

Medlands on the Beach

Shearers Quarters Mabey's Beach

'Kiwi As' cosy family Bach

Motu Honey House

Medlands Beach Bach

Willis - A genuine 1940's caravan

Medlands Retreat with Breathtaking Views

Medlands Sanctuary - Off-Grid Eco Escape
All about Barrier Islands
Great Barrier Island is located just off the North Island of New Zealand, around 55 miles from Auckland. It’s the largest of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, but you’d never know that by its population: more than half of the island is a nature reserve and only 1,000 people live here, spread across a handful of small towns and settlements in off-the-grid homes powered by solar and wind energy. This environmentally sustainable lifestyle contributes to the island’s classification as a Dark Sky Sanctuary, which means you can expect crystal-clear stargazing here.
The island’s lush green landscapes, sparkling white-sand beaches, untouched wetlands, and natural hot springs are ripe for exploration. Hirakimata (Mount Hobson) is a popular hiking spot, as its 2,000-foot peak offers panoramic views. Great Barrier Island is situated in New Zealand’s only National Marine Park, which makes for excellent diving and snorkelling conditions too.
What are the top things to do in Barrier Islands?
Kaitoke Hot Springs
Kaitoke Hot Springs in the center of the island are natural rock pools of geothermal water surrounded by umbrella ferns — they’ve been left unadorned, with the exception of a nearby picnic table. The springs are a gentle 45-minute walk from the closest road, following an ancient shoreline and winding through kanuka forests where you may view spotless crakes and fernbirds.
Hirakimata (Mount Hobson)
Hirakimata (Mount Hobson) is the highest point on Great Barrier Island, and its peak offers sweeping views of Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula. It is accessible via a three-hour hiking trail that passes otherworldly rock formations and leads through the famous Windy Canyon, which features sheer rock faces covered in lush vegetation.
Medlands Beach
As one of the island’s most popular beaches, Medlands Beach is a great spot for swimming, stargazing, and surfing thanks to its exposed beach break. The curves of the Sugarloaf headlands create an idyllic scene here with powdery sand, rolling grass-covered dunes, and cerulean waters.
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