Great Barrier Island sits forty-five miles northeast of Aukland, New Zealand. It is a massive island with a long and occasionally troubled history. Birds were the original caretakers of the island but were overthrown when Polynesians arrived around the year 1000. The disturbance to the island then was nothing compared to the near extinction event that followed the arrival of Europeans. Cleared of endemic trees and nearly all the native avifauna, the ecosystem of Great Barrier Island barely held on. More than a century later, the tide began to turn. Through the conservation efforts of mostly private individuals, the island is on its way to becoming a haven for indigenous flora and fauna. From the glorious native kauri tree, almost wiped out in the demand for timber, to the charming and iconic kiwi bird, positive change is taking place. Our visit today was a fantastic opportunity to explore a conservation success story in progress.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 01 Dec 2023
Great Barrier Island, 12/1/2023, National Geographic Orion
- Aboard the National Geographic Orion
- Australia and New Zealand
James Hyde, Undersea Specialist
Pacific Northwest born James Hyde grew up immersed in the Salish Sea, on Vashon Island with Seattle as his backdrop. A passionate traveler from a young age, James explored four continents before finishing his degree at Western Washington University's...
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As we continue north to experience more of New Zealand, we discover more and more beauty at every turn. Today we found National Geographic Orion anchored at Great Barrier Island. We had excursions planned ashore and luckily the weather was cooperating with our activities. In the morning, we were joined by Steve, the main caretaker of Great Barrier Island. He explained the history of the island as well as all the efforts made to preserve and conserve the island, including the eradication of any non-native pests. Morning activities commenced after Steve’s welcome and part of the group went off to a manuka distillery to witness the production of manuka oil. Hikers went ashore to visit the kauri tree forests. Overall, it was a beautiful day with great scenery and good company.
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