Great Barrier Island, New Zealand

April 1, 2023

We have heard it said that visiting Great Barrier is like going back In time. It certainly did remind us of New Zealand from forty years back when times were simpler. It is the kind of place where approaching drivers give a friendly wave as they pass you by. Although it is one of New Zealand’s largest islands at 285 square kilometers (110 square miles) it is sparsely inhabited with approximately a thousand permanent residents. Many of those have moved there to get away from it all. There is no grid on the island with all electricity having to be self-generated. Consequently, there are lots of solar panels on display. It is also exceedingly beautiful with an abundance of pristine native forest (bush), wetlands, and beaches.

Among the island’s residents are many artists and craftspeople. We dropped by the Schoal Bay Pottery studio for a visit and, particularly, liked its quirky bathroom and tiny kitchen.

We bought a couple of coffee mugs. No one was around to pay, but like other studios we visited on the island, the honor system was in place, relying on purchasers to pay for their goods by making bank transfers later on.

There are 87 steps up to Annette and Neil’s bach. The view makes the climb well worth it.

Especially, during the sunset.