Situated on the outer edge of the Hauraki Gulf in New Zealand's only National Marine Park, Great Barrier Island is a mere 90 kilometres from Auckland City - but a world away from your typical holiday destination. Over 70% of the land is protected Conservation Park and with night skies rated 'second to none'... the whole island is a Dark Sky Sanctuary.
To visit Great Barrier Island is to experience life off the grid, under the radar and on the edge... it really is a world of its own!
Join us as we explore this tranquil island paradise from top to bottom and everything in between by land, sea and air!
If departing from Whanganui, meet at the Whanganui Racecourse for an early 6:00am departure and travel to Whanganui Airport to catch our flight to Auckland.
For those departing from another destination you will fly into or meet us in Auckland. All tickets and details will be provided in your personal information pack, sent prior to travel.
If you are flying into Auckland from another destination, you will meet the tour leader and group at the airport and shuttle with them to the accommodation. If you live in Auckland and are travelling with us, we will shuttle you directly to the accommodation to join our group.
On arrival at Claris airport we will be met by our host, Leigh. Have a meet and greet then visit the Milk, Honey, and Grain, museum. We then go on and have a stroll along Medlands Beach, a beautiful scenic surf Beach, where we will enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, with home-made cake or biscuits. Following this we head South and over Medlands hill to the West Coast of the Island to Tryphena, where our accommodation awaits. We will have time to unpack our bags and get familiar with our surroundings before heading out for our first group dinner at one of the local restaurants before a real treat.
Great Barrier Island is a world renowned designated Night Sky Sanctuary. This evening you will also be treated to Good Heavens stargazing experience, where you will be given a guided tour of the night sky. A truly memorable experience before we head back to our lodge and rest our heads for the night.
Accommodation: Sunset Waterfront Lodge
After a peaceful night we rise for breakfast before we are transferred to Whangaparapara wharf where we meet Chris, the Captain and owner of Sundancer.
Aboard Sundancer explore the West Coast of Great Barrier on a 4 -5 hour cruise from Whangaparapara to Port Fitzroy. See the remains of the whaling station and timber mill locations, cruise through the Broken Islands while enjoying morning tea. See the spectacular coastline, and the Man O' War entrance to beautiful Port Fitzroy Harbour. Occasionally dolphin encounters are experienced during the cruise. A picnic lunch is provided on board. You will disembark at Glenfern Sanctuary opposite Port Fitzroy wharf.
On the way back to our accommodation we will visit the spectacular Windy Canyon for an easy 15-20 minute walk each way to the lookout and get some great photos of the beautiful beaches. We’ll stop for afternoon tea before some down time or a chance for a leisurely walk before heading out for dinner together.
After a great meal it's time to turn in for the night or maybe have a sneaky nightcap before bed.
Accommodation: Sunset Waterfront Lodge
Enjoy another superb continental breakfast before another day enjoying what the Barrier has to offer.
First up we visit Visit Jaques Haven, meet Jaque and have a personal tour of the Haven he has created just behind the Claris Police Station, a micro climate with a variety of fruit tree’s, bird life & bees. Morning tea is on a tranquil deck in the middle of his little haven.
Take a lunch break at a local cafe then go to Blind Bay and the hidden wharf at Okupu, driving through a stand of ancient Pohutukawa that enclose the road edge around the bay.
On the drive back to Tryphena we will call into the Art Gallery & Museum in Claris.
Enjoy some more time on the island as a group before another great meal and an enjoyable evening together.
Accommodation: Sunset Waterfront Lodge
We have another hearty breakfast and then get set for a fantastic walk. (Please note this walk is not compulsory)
We walk into the Kaitoke Hot Springs, (45 minute relatively flat forest walk each way – bring your togs if you wish) or dunk your feet into the thermal water.
After we stop for lunch at Awana Beach DOC camp and for those keen, enjoy a short walk along Awana Beach.
Time now to visit Okiwi Passion where we have a guided tour by the owners. Okiwi Passion grows a small range of delicious, seasonal, naturally produced vegetables, fruit and seedlings in the sundrenched, fertile Okiwi Basin of Great Barrier Island.
We head back to our lodge and have some time to soak up this part of the island for a final time before heading out for our last group dinner which is sure to come with laughs a plenty and some good banter as we share stories of the fun we’ve had together on Great Barrier Island.
Accommodation: Sunset Waterfront Lodge
This morning after breakfast we collect our bags and get ready to farewell the Island but we still have a few things to do first.
There is a chance to feed the eels who live close to our lodge before we visit Shoal Bay pottery and a lookout point over the Colville channel to the Coromandel Peninsula and south to Matarangi and the Mercury Islands.
We will explore Tryphena a little more and if time permits call into the Elephant and Black Cow galleries in Puriri Bay.
We will either dine in at Pa Beach café, or get a takeaway lunch and eat at one of the local beaches before being taken back to Claris airport for our return flight to Auckland.
Once we land in Auckland we will have time to relax and grab yourself a bite to eat before checking in for our flight back home landing at 7:20pm.
Note: For those travelling anywhere else arrangements can be made to get you home safely.
Once we land in Auckland we will have time to relax and grab yourself a bite to eat before checking in for our flight back home landing at 7:20pm.
Note: For those travelling anywhere else arrangements can be made to get you home safely.
Check out what we got up to last time
After years in the broadcasting industry, Jase hung up his headphones to run Take It Easy Tours. With now over a decade behind the wheel Jason ensures every tour will leave you with a lifetime of memorable expereinces.
There is limited availability for this tour. Please contact us to find out more.
Yes, it would be our pleasure. We can arrange for you to be picked up and returned to your front door at the conclusion of any tour.
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. It just puts your mind at ease. Remember to make sure you are covered for and loss of personal possessions, sickness, accidents or travel delays. Feel free to ask us for any tips to make this quick and easy for you.
We are called Take it Easy for a reason as we like to do just that. Do as much or as little as you like - after all it's your holiday! However, there is walking and various activities on each tour that require various levels of fitness. Please check with us if you are unsure about anything and relax knowing that there's always another option for you if you would rather miss out on any activity. We always have a back up plan.
Please just let us know in advance and we will sort everything for you. Chefs are used to all sorts now when it comes to diet so as long as we know - we’ll have you covered.
Cancellation charges do apply so again we recommend travel insurance. Our cancellation policy is clearly outlined for each tour so make sure you cast your eye over it and please feel free to ask any questions.
Having a good night's rest after a day out touring is very important so we personally choose all of our accommodation. Generally, four star accommodation when available - with all the comforts you need for a relaxed night.
Our buses are quality touring coaches that are very comfortable and fully air conditioned. They range in size from 19-28 seats ensuring that we can easily access all those secret spots off the beaten track. All vehicles are regularly serviced as your safety is our priority.
Coaches and luggage trailers are always locked and secure but we recommended you take any valuables with you when staying overnight.
Yes, you can earn airpoints with Take It Easy Tours when we are using Air New Zealand flights. All you need to do is get in contact with us and let us know your airpoints number for each time you wish to earn points.
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The West Coast of New Zealand is an untamed natural wilderness. With scenery so stunning it takes your breath away. It takes a while to get around the largest region in New Zealand, but the journey is the best bit.
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Life is meant for good friends and great adventures. Get your fix of both, when you join us on our mystery tour.
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Alternatively, send us a message and we’ll get right back to you.
