If Auckland’s nearest island neighbour Waiheke is inching towards gentrification, Great Barrier Island remains a rugged and remote rebel. You’re only 88km from the mainland, but landing here by ferry or by plane is like stepping back a couple of decades. A lack of banks and streetlights – and patchy mobile phone coverage – forces visitors to relax at all costs. Nightlife is limited to the local boat club or a single Irish pub, but that’s not really a problem. After a day hiking on more than 100km of well-maintained tracks, or mountain biking, partying will be the last thing on your mind. And despite Great Barrier’s relative isolation, you can expect to sleep in surprisingly sophisticated accommodation.