Search hotels in Great Barrier Island

The Island, second biggest in Aotearoa New Zealand is like stepping back a few years but everyone has solar power , gas or generator. A beautiful island . . .sorry I can't write more. Booking. com . . please contact me . (I've tried to unsuccessfully to contact you. Why not??) I require a refund of $400. The only night spent at Eco Bungalows was barely worth $50 - so miserable were we there due to the coldness and the dim lighting. The cottage was gloomy. The hostess, was charming and helpful but the telephone number was not working, though I tried many times leading up to our stay.

A lovely forest covered island with some great beaches and nice walks including one to natural hot pools. Shops all have limited opening hours and some of the local people were not the friendliest, although many were. Restaurants were not common and many were closed during our stay. The roads were good to drive on and a rental car is an essential to get places and the rates are very reasonable. There was a lack of birds and bird noise all over the island which may be due to a large number of rats. Some good swimming beaches along with some short, long, hard and easy walks through some great native bush. Medlands beach was a favourite stop for a good walk and a swim.

The hot springs were amazing - especially in the very top pool that wasn't too hot. Mermaid pools are a must. Beaches were amazing. Highly recommend Great Barrier Lodge for eating - hands down the best place we ate, great food and service unlike most of the other places on the island. Driving on the narrow roads was a bit hairy at times with the locals driving very fast.