Great Barrier Island Escape - Itinerary

An island where nature is king. Enter a place of remote beauty and rugged wilderness, with a distinctive Kiwi flavour.

DAY 1

Auckland to Great Barrier Island

Greet your Walking Legends guide at 10:30am at the Claris Airport, Great Barrier Island for an 11am start. Come dressed ready to start walking straight away, with a full water bottle. For information on getting to the island see below. First, we head west to Whangaparapara and warm ourselves up on the Te Ahumata/White Cliffs Track. We’ll follow an old mining road through wind shorn, bonsai-like plants and hunt for rare orchids at the summit.

Te Ahumata’s central location gives us a great viewing opportunity to orientate ourselves from the top of the white cliffs!

If the legs are still feeling fresh, we can walk along the stunning golden sands of Blind Bay or visit the old Tramline Track to see serene Kauri Falls and enjoy a refreshing dip in the small, but perfectly-formed natural swimming hole.

Then we’ll get settled into our lodge, put our feet up with a cold glass of something on the deck overlooking Whangaparapara harbour and share a grazing platter of fresh fruits and cheeses as the sun goes down.

Our lodge hosts treat us to a delicious 2-course, Kiwi style meal using locally grown produce and home-made condiments.

DAY 2

Heart & Soul: Mt Hobson

We begin the best hiking trail on the island today with a stroll through the mossy ravines of ‘Windy Canyon.’ This is part of the Aotea Track and will lead us up to the summit of Mt Hobson/Hirakimata. This spectacular track is a combination of easy walking trails; short, steep climbs; stairways and bridges. We’ll traverse a range of unique, biologically diverse landscapes; streams lined with beautiful native bush, peaceful wetlands full of rare birdlife, forests of kauri, rimu and kahikatea. Discover the historical remains of the early kauri-logging industry and witness firsthand the healthy regeneration of these pristine forests.

At 621m, Mt. Hobson is the highest point of Great Barrier Island. The 360° views from the summit are worth the climb! Walk through the preciously fragile Kaitoke Wetlands where delicate orchids and sundews sprinkle either side of the track. Listen out for the distinctive “u-tick” call of the rare fernbird or spotless crake, the presence of which indicates high wetland health and abundance of food sources. Finish off this sensational hike with a rejuvenating soak in a series of naturally formed, cascading hot water rock pools, framed by lush bush canopy.

This evening we’ll enjoy another nutritious, home-cooked meal on the lodge deck as we gaze out over the peaceful Whangaparapara Harbour and watch the sun go down on another great day.

DAY 3

Northern Shores

Travelling north, we start our day amongst the spectacular scenery of Port Fitzroy, a stunning combination of crystal-clear water and bush covered hills. Enjoy swing bridges and glorious nikau forests on the 2-hour walk down to secluded Bush’s Beach.

Next, we tackle Warren’s Creek Track with a gentle 30-minute climb to a waterfall. There are deep swimming pools in the stream, surrounded by kauri and nikau forests. After lunch we head to the largest white sand beach on the island, where a spectacular coastal walk reveals fascinating shore bird colonies and tells the story of a devastating shipwreck. Take a dip in the Pacific or stretch out on the glistening sand and soak up the island’s natural beauty.

A restorative, home-made meal and cold glass of suds awaits us back at the lodge as we enjoy a well-earned rest ready for a slower-paced final day tomorrow.

DAY 4

Left of Centre

We begin our last day on Aotea with a beautiful trail down to explore the beautiful southern coast. From the ‘Whalers Lookout’ track, aptly named for its’ advantageous viewpoints, we’ll have the chance to spot Brydes ‘Broodus’ whales lolloping out in the sheltered waters of the Hauraki Gulf. After a picnic lunch, we journey along a beautiful track that follows a central ridgeline, offering views of both golden coasts, through gorgeous puriri trees and nikau palms.

That spectacular white sand beach we saw on our flight in is one of our final destinations, Medlands Beach. Share a reflective moment on Memory Rock, before exploring the rock pools, walking the beautiful white sands or hunting for signs of early human habitation around the bouldered base.

To wrap up an excellent walking trip, we can check out the museum or relax in the local art gallery and café to soak up the island atmosphere one last time before our flight home. We’ll say our fond farewells and deliver you to Claris Airport in time for a 5pm flight back to the mainland.