Castaway at Harataonga Bay

Introduction

Visit Harataonga Bay on Great Barrier Island where Castaway was filmed. In early 2007 the normally quiet and peaceful Harataonga Bay was transformed into a busy production village and film set. The site has now been completely restored, and visitors to Harataonga can once again enjoy the peaceful charm of Harataonga Bay.

Harataonga Beach.
Harataonga Beach

Features

Huts built at Harataonga for the television series Castaway. Photo: Rebecca Rush.
Castaway huts at Harataonga Bay

You may see brown teal (pateke) in the estuary, a threatened native bird that survives in greatest numbers on Great Barrier. Look out too for New Zealand dotterel and variable oystercatcher on the beach. Take care not to disturb their nesting sites in summer.

If you want to explore further there is the Harataonga Loop Track (30 mins) and the Harataonga Coastal Walkway (5 hrs), which takes you north to Okiwi (see information below).

Location

Haratonga Bay is on the east coast of Great Barrier Island (Aotea).

Getting there

Access is via Harataonga Road, a steep and narrow road (2.5 km), off Aotea Road, 8 km north of Claris.

Plan and prepare

Heavy rain can make the access road impassable for 2WD vehicles.

Learn more

Great Barrier Island field trip

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Contacts

Auckland Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 9 379 6476
Address: 137 Quay Street
Princes Wharf
Downtown
Auckland 1010
Email: aucklandvc@doc.govt.nz
Full office details

Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai