When life gets overwhelming, many of us dream of setting up camp on a deserted island. That dream almost comes true on this corner of Great Barrier Island.
When Terry and his wife bought a property on Great Barrier 18 years ago, the plan was to split their time between there and the mainland.
“We intended to stay on the island for eight months at a time but once we’d settled in, we decided we didn’t want to go back. We ended up living out there fulltime for 16 years,” Terry recalls.
Surrounded by tranquil bush and elevated with picture-postcard views, Lot 1 and 2 Shoal Bay Road, Great Barrier Island is the stuff of off-grid dreams.
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The main four-bedroom home is complemented by a two-bedroom bach which provides loads of room – and privacy – for friends and family.
Both abodes enjoy spectacular views across Shoal Bay, while the private beach and mooring for two boats in the bay offer incomparable access to the water.
“We normally had more than eight people here over Christmas, and many weekends we hosted more than the average household,” Terry says.
“Some people liked staying at the bach because it’s private and has magnificent views, but everyone always came down to the main house for dinner. We’d fire up the BBQs and pizza oven on the main deck and enjoy the serenity across the water. It was a wonderful way to spend time together.”
Living on the Barrier requires a change in lifestyle.
The main four-bedroom home is complemented by a two-bedroom bach.
“We intended to stay on the island for eight months at a time but once we’d settled in, we decided we didn’t want to go back. We ended up living out there fulltime for 16 years,” one of the homeowners says.
“The Barrier is totally offline, so you have to understand what you’re getting yourself into before moving there,” Terry advises.
“When we first moved in, there were only two six-volt batteries and they were flat by 9pm. Now we have a very good solar power and battery system so it doesn’t feel offline at all.
“We’ve put in extra tanks – there are nine tanks of water onsite – so unlike some of our neighbours who have to pinch water off each other in the heat of the summer, we never run out.”
Living off-grid means living a self-sufficient life.
“I used to love a good day’s fishing or going out for scallops. We have gardens, a hot house, good composting – you just don’t have to buy veges because you’re all set up for it.
“But then anything we’re short of we just shop online and can have it delivered on the ferry – and we’re only 150 metres from the ferry which makes life very convenient when you need it to be.”
Both abodes enjoy spectacular views across Shoal Bay, while the private beach and mooring for two boats in the bay offer access to the water.
Living on Great Barrier Island requires a change in lifestyle as it is off-grid living.
The seclusion is second to none.
“There are five houses in the bay – and two of them are ours,” laughs Terry.
“The closeness of our neighbours is great. We rely on each other to keep us updated when we’re not there – they’re almost like family. We often had afternoon drinkies together too.”
Now, Terry and his wife live in Auckland City.
“We’re at an age and stage in life where being on the mainland and close to medical facilities is important. We love the Barrier and there’ll always be a place for it in our hearts, but now it’s time for someone else to take the reins on this property and make new memories.”
