More than 60 percent of Great Barrier Island is administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
The Department of Conservation is empowered by law to conserve New Zealand's natural and historic heritage for all to enjoy now and in the future.
All plants, animals and historic features on conservation lands are protected. Wildlife and marine mammals are fully protected everywhere. No dogs or other animals are allowed on conservation lands. People may camp only where permitted.
Please note that native birds such as the New Zealand dotterel (tuturiwhatu pukenui) and the variable oystercatcher (toreo pangeo) nest on the beaches, so please take care not to disturb them.
Sustainable Coastlines coordinated a coastal clean-up event on Great Barrier in April 2009. The idea was to involve as many people as possible from all areas of the community to help clean-up the coastline and it was a huge success.
Hundreds of volunteers tackled the rugged coastlines on foot, from boats and in kayaks to remove over 2.2 tonnes of rubbish from the remote island – a true show of their passion to keep New Zealand beautiful.
Over 230 children, parents and teachers from low-decile schools, along with hoards of young locals, cleaned the beaches of Tryphena Harbour.
Find out more about Sustainable Coastlines »
