Great Barrier Island offers a wide variety of accommodation for your holiday or
vacation - from luxury lodges, self-contained houses, hideaway cottages, bed and
breakfast, hillside cabins to budget backpackers. Idyllic surroundings
with stunning sea or bush views, abundant bird song and a friendly welcome.
Something for all and for every budget. Seasonal rates apply with most
accommodation. Rates quoted are generally off-peak
Medlands Beach had a traditional
Maori name for the area, Oruawharo. This name applies to the
bay and the small islet and pa standing on the foreshore in the
middle of the beach. The name dates back to the 14th century
and the arrival of the Takitimu Canoe's arrival on which Ruawharo
was the leading chieftain. The name also applies to the
Sugarloaf where Ruawharo lived for a time although the Sugarloaf
and the two larger offshore islands near it were also collectively
referred to as 'Pitokuku' as their shape is likened to the pointed
end of a mussel shell.