The best thing to do is fly! Great Barrier Island is only a 30 minute, scenic flight from Auckland Domestic Airport in Mangere to Claris Airport on Great Barrier Island. You can also go via North Shore Airport if that’s easier, although the flight schedule is reduced and may require you to arrive the day before the trip starts, so it’s best to check the flight schedule with Barrier Air first.
Our helpful reservations team can book return flights on your behalf with Barrier Air that are well-timed with the trip. Just select this option in the online booking form. Flights are additional and will be charged at the correct rate at the time of booking and added to your reservation. Our complimentary flight booking service is free for our guests. The cost of flights must be paid for in advance, so we’ll add this to the deposit sum we take at the time of booking. You’re very welcome to book your own flights if you prefer.
We normally book everyone on the 10.00am GB103 service from Auckland Domestic which lands at Claris Airport where your Walking Legends guide will meet you. On the final day of the trip we leave the island in the late afternoon or early evening on the GB110 service. If you’re booking your own flights, it’s okay to arrive earlier than 10.00am on Day 1, and depart after 5.00pm on Day 4.
There is also a SeaLink ferry service that leaves from downtown Auckland and arrives at Tryphena. The journey takes 4 hours and in times of inclement weather the sailing may be cancelled. We recommend that you travel by air instead. If you would like to go by ferry, please ensure your travel insurance provider covers cancelled ferry sailings. We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover unforeseen changes to flight and/or schedules and inclement weather. Check out our detailed blog for everything you need to know about travel insurance for guided hiking tours in New Zealand.