Great Barrier Island has a new high-profile visitor, with British TV celebrity George Clarke arriving on the motu and sharing his enthusiasm for the island with his quarter of a million Instagram followers.
Clarke, best known for his property and architecture-focused shows such as Amazing Spaces, Old House, New Home, and The Restoration Man, has posted two photos from The Currach Irish Pub, one with the caption: ‘Wild Island Life!’ #GreatBarrier #NewZealand
In another post, Clarke expresses his excitement about working on the island, writing: ‘What an honour to be working on this magical island.’ He is seen wearing a Currach Irish Pub t-shirt while gazing towards the maunga behind.
His posts have attracted a flood of comments, with many praising the beauty of Great Barrier and others expressing envy at his trip. Followers have remarked on the island’s stunning landscapes, its untouched charm, and how fortunate Clarke is to be experiencing it firsthand. Some couldn’t resist taking a cheeky jab, with one commenter writing: ‘I tell you I’d not come back to the UK if I was in NZ right now with the state of it over here.’ Another quipped, ‘Hard at it I see!! 😂’ while a third added, ‘Lucky you! I was there before Christmas… very special place 😍.’
Clarke, it seems, has been in New Zealand since early February, with other posts showing him in Auckland for a photoshoot, catching up with renowned Kiwi chef and TV personality Al Brown, and sharing a video message for UK fans of his show Building Home. In the video, filmed from a bach balcony overlooking a picturesque beach, he signs off by saying: ‘And oh yeah, I’m still in New Zealand, which is why it’s so ridiculously beautiful.’
It remains unclear what Clarke’s project on Great Barrier Island is, but given his track record, it’s likely to be a compelling watch.
This isn’t the first time a British TV property star has visited the island. Early last year, Location, Location, Location presenter Phil Spencer came to Great Barrier for his series New Zealand’s Best Homes, which aired across the UK and at home on TVNZ.
