Great Barrier Island

Also known as Aotea. Great Barrier, the largest island in the gulf, is very rugged with a deeply indented coastline. Much of the island is covered with native trees, and in the north there are remnants of kauri forest.The island is a haven of wilderness and rare bird life, with white surf beaches on the east coast and beautiful harbours on the west coast. It is accessible by ferry or by air. . Dog exercise: Dogs are allowed under control off a leash on:

• Okupu Beach, on the northern side of airstrip next to the Okiwi airfield

• Awana Beach from the council access south to the point

• Mulberry Grove Beach, but not in the creeks at each end of that beach.

• Medlands Beach from 100 metres south of The Lane walkway to the south to 100 metres north of the creek. Dogs allowed for management and/or recreational hunting where the dog owner has obtained a permit from the Department of Conservation (conditions may apply). Dogs are prohibited from:

• Medlands Wildlife Management Reserve

• Medlands Beach Crown Foreshore

• Rosalie Bay marginal strip and Crown foreshore

• Okupu Bay Crown foreshore

• the Crown foreshore of Tryphena Harbour (except for under control off leash areas).