In 2017 Great Barrier Island was accredited with Dark Sky Sanctuary Status. At the time, it was the third sanctuary in the world, recognised as such by the International Dark Sky Association. There is no doubt about it, and Islanders have known for a long time that the island sky is indeed spectacularly dark, and that celestial bodies are indeed heavenly bodies. Just under one thousand, often strong minded, self-sufficient people, live on our dark sky island year round. Many

If you love watching birds in a large variety, look no further than Great Barrier Island. The most amazing sight at the XSPOT are gannets, soaring past the windows after they have enjoyed the updraft along the cliff face on which the apartment sits. But there are many other birds to enjoy. Either on a walk towards the road from the XSPOT, or in one of the many different habitats the island has to offer. The following excerpt is from website: http://www.nzbirds.com/birding/gre

First things first…. How do you even get here?! The XSPOT lies on top of the cliffs, 8kms out of Tryphena, on Aotea / Great Barrier Island in the Pacific Ocean, 88km out of the coast of Auckland. It looks out to Hauturu / Little Barrier Island. To me, it’s one of the most wonderful places in the world. It’s home, and just stunningly beautiful island world. I have been asked a few times: “But how do I get there?”. I feel your pain. It’s a long way from many places in the rest