What does ‘off grid’ mean for your holiday?
There is no reticulated power or water on Aotea/Great Barrier Island. This “off-the-grid” lifestyle means everyone must collect their own water and create their own power – making both resources precious.
A summary of what this means for your off grid holiday:
The island’s housing and accommodation is by no means basic. Technology has brought about huge advancements in recent years and you’ll be surprised what conveniences are still available using solar and battery technology. Cell signal is available across most of the island, most accommodation providers have Wi-Fi, and there are some public Wi-Fi locations on the island.
Off the Grid
The Off the Grid Festival is an annual event held in May, showcasing the latest technologies and offering the chance to look at off-the-grid properties around the island.
Top tip: Our locals love talking to people about their off grid lifestyles, and teaching visitors about self-sufficiency. People move here to be self-sufficient; it’s not a hassle, and this lifestyle is a passion for many of our residents.