Harataonga

Harataonga is a beach located on the northeast coast of New Zealand's Great Barrier Island and is located approximately 51 NM northeast of Auckland. It is also called Overtons Beach and Harataonga Bay.[1] Dragon Island provides the bay some protection from the Pacific Ocean from the east and south-east, with further protection provided by the larger Rakitu (Arid) Island to the north.

Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand (1920)

Dragon Island (New Zealand)

Harataonga has a meandering slow-running creek disgorging through and over the sand at the northern end of the beach. Both ends of the beach have rocky outcrops and are popular for rock fishing. There is a second small sandy bay at the northernmost corner of the bay and is really only accessible by boat. The Department of Conservation manage a camping ground that is tucked away out of sight from the bay and available for use by the public; inquiries to stay can be made at any DOC office. There are walks with excellent views to be enjoyed from the camp.[2][3]

With a sandy bottom and in the right conditions, the bay provides good anchorage for many vessels of varied size, but novice sailors to the area are recommended to take extra care if the weather is changeable and deteriorating.

There are no shore facilities, except a long-drop toilet at the DOC camp and maybe the possibility of a pre-arranged taxi pickup. There is a road in to the camp and a visitor arriving on the island by plane or ferry can hire a vehicle to get to Harataonga Bay.[2]

Gt Barrier Radio, the VHF channel for mariners on Gt Barrier Island (VHF Channel ONE) has poor reception in the bay, also, cell phones do not work there.