Which Is The Best Time To Visit Uttarakhand? – Travel Guide

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 30, 2023

Visiting Northern California ensures an amazing trip that is jam-packed with attractions, activities, and breathtaking locations. If you're looking for an amazing way to make the most of your vacation, think about renting an RV and visiting some of the best campgrounds in this charming area. There are so many possibilities available for adventures based on RVs that choosing just a few is a fun challenge. From tanning in the warm sun on a pristine beach to fully embracing the beauty of nature, Northern California offers a plethora of life-changing experiences. You've come to the right place if you're looking for the best RV camping Northern California. Is RV Camping In Northern California Legal?  Discover the best RV campgrounds Northern California has to offer by reading on, and make sure your next trip is nothing short of spectacular! California generally allows RV living as long as you don't park your vehicle overnight on private property without the owner's permission. You should be mindful of local regulations, though, as they might forbid parking certain kinds of RVs on public roads. Among the few states without laws banning RV living is California. If you want to live in an RV, you can legally do so. Before relocating to your new mobile home, it is imperative to ascertain the policies of your neighborhood HOA regarding this matter. RV Camping Northern California  If you are looking for locations for RV camping Northern California is your best bet. Here are the top RV parking grounds. Get ready, its going to get exciting! Yosemite National Park   The expansive campground located within Yosemite National Park is aesthetically pleasing. It sounds amazing to wake up to a stunning view of Yosemite Valley on a cold night, doesn't it? Winter visitors to Yosemite will find Upper Pines Campground to be a great location. For those who wish to witness Yosemite in all its winter splendor, Upper Pines is the perfect place to go because it remains open even when the valley receives snowfall. The only location in a National Park with a campground open all year round is Upper Pines. It is not possible to get hookups at this campground. Nonetheless, it features areas designated for tents, RVs, and vehicle camping. Yanks  For RV camping Northern California has Yanks. Yanks is a cutting-edge establishment in Greenfield, California. It is designed for individuals seeking an exceptional, enjoyable, and opulent experience with their loved ones. For those who enjoy traveling in style, they have something to offer everyone. With their wide RV sites and complete hookups, Yanks is the ideal destination for any kind of vacation. Numerous amenities are available, including a fitness center, pet wash, pool, spa, as well as laundry. Large RVs and people wishing to park and connect their tow car can fit in the park's pull-through spots. They also have patios and concrete pads. Every campsite has full hookups with 30/50 amp electricity, free cable TV, and free Wi-Fi available throughout the park. Vacaville RV Park  Another great place to stay is the California RV Park campground in Vacaville. It is close to the San Francisco, Sacramento, Napa Valley, and other beaches in California. Major attractions like the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Solano County Wine Country, Napa Valley Wine Country, and Sacramento Wine Country are all nearby. You can stay in touch with your friends as well as family back home and your coworkers at work thanks to the free WiFi that is available everywhere. The best part is that if you don't have an RV, you can rent their tent cabin. Ramblin' Redwoods Campground & RV Park  In Crescent City, RV camping Northern California, there is a family-friendly campground called Ramblin' Redwoods Campground & RV Park. The park has everything you need to enjoy the outdoors and explore the area, including an RV park and full-service campground! The campground is one of the few in California that provides hiking trails, hot showers, and restrooms, along with all-inclusive rates. In addition to having large campsites, fully functional kitchens, open as well as shaded sites, private forest sites, and much more, it is family-friendly. Ramblin' Redwoods Campground is the ideal location for you to stay, whether you're searching for an opulent cabin tucked away in the forest or just want to hang out at a campground in an RV with your family! Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort  The Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort is a great location for a tranquil, restful vacation. It provides all the conveniences you require for a pleasurable stay with loved ones or friends. It is tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains' California redwoods. A wide range of activities are available in the park to keep visitors happy and busy. Basketball courts, fishing ponds, playgrounds, pavilions, eateries, and restrooms are a few of these. Visitors can even buy snacks and mementos from the general store located on the premises. If you want to enjoy some fun in the sun, you can boat or swim in the lake from the waterfront. This park is ideal for travelers looking for an affordable as well as practical place to stay because it offers RV sites. Every RV site has complete hookups, which include cable TV, water, sewage, and electricity. But keep in mind that the RV site is not a place for tents. Among California's most well-liked campgrounds is Beals Point Campground. Beals Point Campground is a lovely location on the west side of Folsom Lake, north of the dam. Beals Point Campground is open year-round, offering both RV and tent camping near the water, as well as incredibly spacious tent sites. With 69 fully equipped campsites, a store, as well as breathtaking mountain views, the campground has it all. All summer long, they accept reservations for the 69 sites, which are open to visitors of all ages. They go to first-come, first-served when it gets too chilly and don't fill up as quickly. For overnight visitors, the campground offers potable water, hot showers, as well as a swimming pool. Lake Perris State Recreation Area  If you're looking for a weekend full of adventure, Lake Perris State Recreation Area is the place for you. With 167 tent camping sites and 264 paved RV sites (along with electricity, water and sink water), it's the biggest natural lake in the state. There is a dump station at each entry. A grill-equipped fire ring as well as a picnic table are also available. California's Riverside County is home to the stunning Lake Perris. Mountains and hills surround it. Spread out across the lake, the campsites provide a distinctive experience for campers who wish to take in the scenery without having to worry about making frequent trips from their spot. Wrapping Up  You're in for a treat whenever you travel to Northern California because of its alluring beauty, as well as the magic is amplified in the summer. The warmth and sunshine make the outdoors an ideal playground for adventure seekers, beckoning you to go camping and hiking. Additionally, it's a great place to go on vacation because every city has a wealth of things to do and attractions to keep you occupied. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about RV camping Northern California, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler Wonders of the Waves: RV Camping Along Oregon’s Coastal Beauty

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 28, 2023

Throughout its 300-year history, Albuquerque has drawn tourists from early Spanish settlers to sun-seeking tuberculosis sanitarium visitors who poured into the city in the 1920s and Route 66 road trippers. Visitors today recognize it as the world's center for hot-air ballooning as well as a popular destination for outdoor recreation. It is where more than forty tap rooms serve craft beer, and the local cuisine consists of spicy red and green chili sauce. Here, we have enlisted the best hotels in Albuquerque for your next trip. These hotels will change your idea about leisure as well as lounging. The variety of accommodations available in Albuquerque matches the diversity of its visitors. There are historic hotels with connections to the local railroad system or a boutique inn rooted in the indigenous culture of the area. Duke City's best hotels have what you're looking for, along with the basic peaceful retreat you may be looking forward to. Best Hotels In Albuquerque Albuquerque is the perfect place to take a year-round vacation due to its moderate, dry climate and more than 300 sunny days per year. Here are the best hotels in Albuquerque. Hotel Chaco Coming up first on the list of best hotels in Albuquerque is Hotel Chaco. The first new hotel in the area in over 40 years, it swung open its black-on-black doors with Avanyu carvings. It is a serpent design that is the symbol of the holiness of water in the high desert. This pattern frequently features in Pueblo pottery designs. It is the focal point of the Sawmill District's metamorphosis from a sleepy industrial hub to a thriving area for dining, lodging, and entertainment. The 118 guest rooms at the hotel have sleek, earthy colors and materials, like sinks carved from petrified wood, that evoke modern Southwest design. Unique Navajo (Diné) rugs from Toadlena Trading Post in northwest New Mexico, where weavers continue centuries-old traditions, adorn each room. El Vado Delirious with nostalgia! Residents of Duke City frequent El Vado to haunt its boutiques and eat tacos prepared by them. The motel attracts travelers seeking to relive their best moments along the Mother Road. Millennials and Gen Z-ers take pictures of its Instagram-worthy vignettes. For example, the Route 66 license plate art piece in the taproom. Before reopening in 2018, the 1937 classic auto motor court hotel underwent careful renovations. It still has the state's signature stepped massing and classic Pueblo Revival architecture. It also has a meticulously restored neon sign that greets visitors in true Route 66 fashion. The hotel pool, which was formerly the parking lot, got an upgrade and now features parking medians. Hotel Parq Central It stands between the city's most popular neighborhoods and offers a peaceful stay along historic Route 66. Hotel Parq Central is a thoughtful reimagination of a 1926 railroad hospital. That place recommends a lot of medical professionals and hospital employees as hotel visitors. The hotel's popular Apothecary Lounge draws locals as well. The building's eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places was maintained by the transformation. The interior railings, staircases, doors, and ceramic tiles of the stone-and-stucco façade are all back to their original splendor. Furthermore, despite being rich in history, it still exudes a warm welcome to modern convenience-seeking tourists. Hotel Albuquerque The reasonably priced Hotel Albuquerque is easily one of the best hotels in Albuquerque. It attracts both branded convention goers on coffee breaks from the hotel's ample meeting spaces and tour-ready sneaker-clad guests, thanks to its recently renovated rooms and convenient location within a block of Old Town, the center of Albuquerque's heritage. The hotel's architecture and décor are influenced by the Spanish founding of the city. It depicts the territorial era and history as a tuberculosis sanitarium hotspot. This is evident in its entry tower, Grand Sala (second-story windows on a cathedral-like lobby), and well-kept gardens. Visit Plaza Don Luis, a more recent addition to the neighborhood, for modern galleries, local wine-tasting rooms, and a new wave of craft breweries. Los Poblanos The 45 guest rooms at Los Poblanos reflect the character of their various locations throughout the property. It is sprawling amidst 25 acres of gardens and organic fields. It is housed in a recently constructed lavender-field adjacent building, which is a 1930s dairy-inspired structure with pitched tin roofs. The Territorial Revival-style hacienda opens to a courtyard fountain. The latter provide breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains at dusk when they resemble their namesake watermelon. No matter where they are, the rooms exude Southwestern elegance. The Field suites are a hit with families because they have separate kid-friendly bunk rooms, dining areas, and full kitchens. The inn's restaurant, Campo, located in a restored dairy barn, has grown to be a popular choice for both locals and visitors. (Reservations are required in advance; tables fill up several weeks in advance.) Hotel Andaluz Albuquerque Conrad Hilton, a young businessman and native of New Mexico, inaugurated the first establishment in 1939. It was the first hotel he constructed in his home state and his fourth overall. For many years, the high-rise stood as the tallest structure in the state, which is one of the reasons it features in the National Register of Historic Places. Over the years, it changed hands a few times before ending up in the hands of an Albuquerque businessman who combined original elements, such as lobby murals and key slots lining the reception area, with new details inspired by Andalusia. The hotel became a part of Hilton's Curio Collection ten years after it reopened. The location focuses on sustainability. Hotel Andaluz used an impressive energy management system and earned LEED Gold certification during its $30 million renovation. Wrapping Up Known for its fusion of cultures, including the magnificent Rio Grande River and the breathtaking pink Sandia mountains. Hispanic, Native American, Asian, and African influences create a buzzy, vibrant community, Albuquerque, the state's most populous city, is tucked in New Mexico. It is emerging as the next hot spot for foodies due to its flourishing culinary scene. Even so, it's a fantastic starting point for taking in the majesty of the surroundings, with magnificent backdrops. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about the best hotels in Albuquerque, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Ski Retreats And City Suites: Salt Lake City’s Hotel Gems Houston Hospitality: The Top Hotels You Need To Experience Here Are The 25+ Best Hotels In Mexico City That You Must Visit!

BY  Sibashree Nov 17, 2025

The beaches add to the laid-back vibe and off-the-grid living of the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. Surfing breaks, boating, canoeing, or just relaxing by the sea, the beaches are ideal for families, surfers, couples, nature seekers, and solo travelers.  Furthermore, it is the largest island of the Hauraki Gulf in the Auckland region, and it has protected the Auckland Harbour from the rampage of the Pacific Ocean and storms. It is now a Dark Sky Sanctuary and a boating paradise.  Also, while exploring the beaches of the Great Barrier Island, I saw a remarkable difference between the eastern and western beaches. The beaches on the eastern side have long white surf beaches and high cliffs. On the other hand, the beaches on the western side are way calmer and have deep, sheltered harbors.  Tryphena, on the southwestern side of the Great Barrier Island, is the largest settlement. The calmer and picturesque beaches of Tryphena are ideal for families. These are also ideal for spotting dolphins.  Whangaparapara Harbour, on the southeastern side, is another important beach location on the Great Barrier Island. I was fortunate enough to meet Tony & Carol Litherland, who have been living on a catamaran here since October 1979.  So, the top beaches to visit on Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, are beyond water and sand. They are the telltales of human history and home to distinct ecosystems.  In this article, I will share the Great Barrier Island beach guide, which will include the top beaches to visit on Great Barrier Island, including hidden gems, pet-friendly spots, and insider tips. What Are The Top Beaches To Visit On The Great Barrier Island?  The beaches of the Great Barrier Island get transformed into a planetarium after sundown. Being a dark sky sanctuary, it allows us to see the luminous arch of the Milky Way and the constellations.  While Medlands, Awana, and Kaitoke draw the crowds, the secluded beaches are the best for soaking in the real vibe of this nature-first island.  Nevertheless, let’s slip into a kayak and explore secluded coves, surfing beaches, and spot the most fascinating wildlife. 1. Medlands Beach Medlands Beach is also called Oruawharo Beach, named after the early settler family. It is ideal for surfers, and the Medlands Beach campground is one of the best camping spots on the Great Barrier Island. This campground is maintained by the Department of Conservation (DoC).  It is also home to Oyster catchers and Dotterels. The Medlands ecovision community group works hard to preserve the nesting community of birds here.  Furthermore, I saw many pet parents taking their dogs for a walk along Medlands Beach. The dogs are allowed off-leash at 100 meters south of the Lane Walkway. However, they have to stop at 100 meters north of the creek.  However, for me, the biggest attraction of the Medlands Beach has been the Good Heavens Dark Sky. In my Great Barrier Island travel tips, I have mentioned how the sunset moments were magical, adding to our anticipation for the stargazing moments.  2. Awana Beach The Awana Beach, on the eastern coast of the Great Barrier Island, is a popular surfing destination. The DoC campground on the northern end is a favorite spot for watching wetland birds.  Awana Beach is also a prominent location for wildlife tours in the Great Barrier Island for spotting marine life.  3. Kaitoke Beach On our way from Auckland to the Great Barrier Island, we met the long sandy stretch of Kaitoke Beach. Our flight overlooked the Kaitoke beach on its way to the runway.  It is a popular spot for watching hammerhead sharks and sting rays. 4. Whangapoua Beach Whangapoua Beach is a popular surfing spot, and it stands out thanks to the wonderful views of Rakitu Island and Hirakimata. Furthermore, the Whangapoua DOC campground, on the southern end of the beach, is a favorite of fishing and surfing enthusiasts.  In addition, the Northern end of the beach has the SS Wairaapa grave walkway. The grave has a white picket fence. Another major attraction of the beach is the Whangapoua to Harataonga coastal walkway.  5. Harataonga Beach Harataonga Beach has one of the most family-friendly hiking trails on the Great Barrier Island. It is a favorite spot for rock fishing and snorkeling.  You can reach the beach after a walk through the DoC campground. However, camping here is a little difficult, considering the gravel road leading to the campsite is quite bumpy for RVs and campervans.  6. Blind Bay Blind Bay, located on the western coast of the Great Barrier Island, is a lot calmer, and it is ideal for family vacations. Located in Okupu, this bay looks beautiful with the presence of magnificent pohutukawa trees.  What I loved the most about Blind Bay was how the dolphins came to the shore of the Okupu. You just need to get into a kayak and take a ride to spot the dolphins.  Furthermore, September to March is the ideal time for spotting Dotterel nests along the shoreline. Dogs are allowed on the Blind Bay. However, you have to keep them on the leash and ensure they only stick to the marked routes.  7. Gooseberry Flat & Pa Beach The Gooseberry Flat Beach is in the heart of the Great Barrier Island. It is around the corner from the Stonewall Village and the Pa Beach, below the Stonewall Village, is an ideal destination for a quaint boat ride.  However, the headland between these two beaches, featuring the most unique purple stone, is the highlight of this Gooseberry Flat & Pa Beach exploration.  Another fascinating thing on the beach is how sandbars have formed warm pools of water. Kids love to splash around these pools when the tide goes away.  From here, you can go to the southern end and take the walkway over to Mulberry Grove. 8. Mulberry Grove Beach The Mulberry Grove Beach on the Tryphena harbour is easily accessible. It is ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and boat launching.  Furthermore, the Mulberry Grove store behind the beach, a playground for young children, and the half pipe for skaters are some of the popular attractions of Mulberry Grove Beach.  You can also spot nesting native birds here. Moreover, indulging in an ice cream or fish and chips and watching the Sun go down with your family will be the most delightful moments on the Mulberry Grove Beach.  Camping And Eco Stays Near These Popular Camping Sites In Great Barrier Island, New Zealand The DoC campsites and eco-friendly lodges are the best options for staying near these beaches.  BeachesNearby AccommodationsMedlands Beach Campsite, Harataonga Beach Campsite, Awana Beach CampsiteDoC CampsitesMedlands BeachMedlands Beach Lodge• Address: Medlands Beach 149 Sandhills Road, Medlands, Tryphena 0961, New Zealand• Contact No: +64 9 429 0335 What Are The Best Beaches For Photography And Drone Footage? Kaitoke Beach is the ideal destination for sunrise photography. The beaches suitable for sunset photography are Blind Bay, Tryphena Bay, and Medlands Beach.  For drone photography during golden hours, use ND filters. Also, respect the privacy of the designated zones and ensure that flying birds are not harmed by flying drones.  What Is The Family-Friendly Beach Guide? Harataonga and Gooseberry Flat are the best options if you are on holiday on the Great Barrier Island with your family. These have shared areas, picnic tables, and toilets.  When exploring the family-friendly beaches of the Great Barrier Island, you will have to bring reef shoes, especially for hiking in the rocky areas. Moreover, determine the child safety zones by monitoring the tides.  What Are The Hidden Beaches And Local Secrets Of The Great Barrier Island? Yes, Kaitoke, Medlands, and Awana are the best crowd pullers of the Great Barrier Island. However, as I talked to the locals, they suggested some really cool hidden gems. These, with their unkempt beauty, helped us connect to the wild spirit of Aotea.  1. Puriri Bay North of the Tryphena Harbour, Puriri Bay is a quiet beach with a rocky shoreline. The low tide makes pockets of dark sand on the shore.  Puriri Bay is also famous for spotting dolphins in the summer season.  2. Schooner Bay Schooner Bay is another hidden gem near Tryphena. Visiting Schooner Bay is a bit of adventure and fun at the same time. You have to pass through a winding road to reach this spot.  It is a favorite for stargazers and couples, and with a cliffside landscape, it is one of the quietest beaches in the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. The silence here is so powerful that the experience is almost spiritual.  3. Nagle’s Cove Nagle’s Cove is on the Northwest coast near Orama and Kawa. Framed by native bush and volcanic ridges, it exudes a remote and pristine vibe. You have to access it via a kayak or a boat, as there is no marked trail.  In addition, Motairehe Marae, affiliated with Ngātiwai Ki Aotea, is an important community center for weddings, social celebrations, and funerals.  Why These Hidden Beaches Are The Attractions You Must Not Miss? The hidden beaches of Great Barrier Island are beyond scenic. As cultural treasures or cultural taonga of the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, they stand for the off-the-grid lifestyle.  They are also the telltale signs of the Māori heritage, and community spirit. To respect the local heritage and culture, you must stick to the following practices.  Avoiding Nesting Bird Zones  Leaving No Trace Staying on the Marked Path Cooperating with Biosecurity Measures  How To Explore These Hidden Beaches On The Great Barrier Island?  Renting an electric bike or a 4WD is the best way to explore the hidden beaches on the Great Barrier Island. Also, as always, it is best to take suggestions from the locals and cafe owners.  They can guide you to the best unnamed spots and directions where Google Maps fails or the network is unavailable.  Also, it’s unfortunate that we could not meet Benny Bellerby during our trip. But, he is like a wizard of the conservation process and stargazing on the Great Barrier Island. He is the adventure operator of Star Treks and is the most passionate about protecting the cultural and natural heritage of the island.  In addition, I have already mentioned Tony & Carol Litherland, who live on a catamaran on the Whangaparapara Harbour, epitomizing the signature hospitality of Great Barrier Island, New Zealand.  What Are The Adventure Add-Ons Near These Beaches Of The Great Barrier Island?  Glenfern Sanctuary, Windy Canyon, and the Kaitoke Hot Spring are the attractions near the beaches of the Great Barrier Island.  1. Glenfern Sanctuary Glenfern Sanctuary opens your door to the Kotuku Peninsula. It is located in the northwest of Great Barrier Island, and it takes us through nearby walking tracks such as the Cooper’s Castle Track. Aotea Track and Old Lady Track.  Furthermore, it is a must-visit to experience how biosecurity and the endeavors to protect the endangered plants, animals, and birds are essential for the Great Barrier Island.  2. Windy Canyon Windy Canyon and the Palmers Track, which continued from there, is one of the most picturesque hiking routes on the Great Barrier Island.  Along with being the route to Mount Hobson, it is also home to many rare species, such as black petrel and tomtit. Moreover, North Island robins are being reintroduced on this route. So, it is a wholesome hiking and birdwatching experience.  3. Kaitoke Hot Springs The walk to the sulphurous Kaitoke Hot Springs continues along the edge of the Kaitoke Swamp. It is one of the most accessible tracks with pushchairs, and the walk through the ancient shoreline continues through the Kaitoke wetlands and kānuka forest.  Furthermore, the umbrella fern and orchids near the creek keep the path filled with colors. Also, a nature soak after a long beach day feels very refreshing. What Are The Best Conservation And Safety Tips?  Aotea is not just a scenic destination. It’s a culturally rich and ecologically sensitive island with deep Māori heritage and a close-knit community. Respecting local customs and beach etiquette is essential for a positive experience and responsible tourism. 1. Respecting The Maori Heritage And Sacred Sites Avoid trespassing on private land or areas marked as tapu (sacred). Do not touch or move carvings, stones, or natural markers, as they may hold spiritual significance. Ask before photographing people or cultural sites, especially near marae (Māori meeting grounds). Learn basic greetings like “Kia ora” and show appreciation for local stories and traditions. 2. Being Mindful With Pets There are designated on-leash and off-leash areas on the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. Furthermore, walking with the pets through the bird nesting areas, especially in the breeding season, is an absolute No-No.  Furthermore, after hiking, you have to clean your pet to stop soil transfer and prevent the resurgence of the Kauri Dieback disease. Proper disposal of the pets is also very important.  Moreover, you must be aware of the conservation and pet policies of the ferries and accommodations before taking them as your companions.  3. Leaving No Trace The Great Barrier Island does not have strategically placed dustbins. So, you will have to pack and carry all the biodegradable items, food scraps, and rubbish, especially when you are hiking and camping.  There is a dumping ground at Claris Landfill PDS at 70 Gray Road for cleaning the campervans and caravans. In addition, you cannot use detergent or soap when swimming on the beaches, as the practice can impact the marine life.  Moreover, staying on the marked trails while hiking is necessary to ensure protection of the flora and fauna from the Kauri Dieback Disease.  4. Respecting The Peace And Privacy If you are staying in eco lodges or near the residential areas, you have to keep your noise level in check, and you cannot play loud music. You have to be more mindful, especially when camping on the beaches.  In addition, be careful when using drones near the sacred sites and wildlife of the Great Barrier Island. You may need permission from local authorities for the same. 5. Being Safe During Swimming And Other Water Activities We could rarely find a lifeguard on the beaches of Aotea. Still, the western beaches of the Great Barrier Island are calmer and suitable for swimming. Also, you have to ensure that you are not blocking the surfing zones.  Stingrays and Jellyfish are common in the shallow waters of the Tryphena Harbour. So, be careful when swimming.  6. Supporting Local Sustainability Efforts We can support the local economy of the Great Barrier Island by shopping at the shops and businesses owned by the Island. Furthermore, you can protect marine life by wearing a reef-safe sunscreen.  Also, participate in beach cleanups and local cleanup activities. In addition, stick to the water conservation rules of the Great Barrier Island, as the supply of fresh drinking water is limited on the island.  7. Ask, Listen, And Learn You cannot know the Great Barrier Island unless you are talking to the locals. The island is the cradle of the incredible Maori heritage, and it is them who told us about Kupe, the mythical navigator and one of the first people to arrive on the Great Barrier Island.  The Okupu settlement or Ō-Kupe-Mai-Tawhiti is named after him.  8. Transport Tips Take a Barrier Air flight from Auckland to reach the Great Barrier Island in New Zealand. You can even take a SeaLink ferry and reach the Great Barrier Island from Auckland in 4.5 hours.  Also, once you reach the Great Barrier Island, you will have to rent a car, e-bike, or scooter to move across the rugged landscape of the island.  9. Embracing Local Culture Off-the-grid living is the essence of the Aotea Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. So, you will not find any banks or ATMs on the island.  You will have to pay by EFTPOS or credit card. However, sometimes the local businesses may refuse to take cards. So, carry enough cash to support your stay and other expenses on the Great Barrier Island.  Why The Beaches Of The Great Barrier Island Will Be On Your Bucket List?  Are you chasing waves, or are you seeking solitude and moments of introspection by the waters? The beaches of Great Barrier Island are ideal for both types of experiences. Add to that the rugged landscape and rich flora and fauna of the Great Barrier Island.  Before you plan your trip, you can read this Great Barrier Island beach guide to experience the magic of Aotea.