Great Barrier Island

Whanganui / Home (November 25th)

If departing from Whanganui, meet at the Whanganui Racecourse for an early 5:45am departure and travel to Whanganui Airport to catch our flight to Auckland. 

Departing from another destination

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.

Great Barrier Island (November 26th)

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. Lunch is provided at the picturesque Orama Camp then we head to  Glenfern Sanctuary opposite Port Fitzroy wharf. Enjoy an informative talk about the sanctuary then drive up the hill and soak up the amazing views over the Hauraki Gulf.

Dinner tonight is at Mulberry Grove - a great little shop/restaurant right next to our lodge where you can purchase many supplies and enjoy the local hospitality.

After a great meal it's time to turn in for the night or maybe have a sneaky nightcap and a star gaze before bed.

Accommodation: Sunset Waterfront Lodge

Great Barrier Island (November 27th)

Enjoy another superb continental breakfast before another day enjoying what the Barrier has to offer.

This morning we head over to the local school and share morning tea with the teachers, students and principal. The students will lead you around the school and show you their way of life on the island. 

Break for lunch then 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. 

After a bit of exercise it’s time for a well earned drink! We’ll make our way to Island Gin for an interesting tour of the distillery and for those keen a chance to sample the product. 

Put your feet up a little before we head out for a memorable dinner at the local Irish Bar - This meal is in conjunction with the Garden Tour we embark on tomorrow so is sure to be a fabulous night.

Accommodation: Sunset Waterfront Lodge

Great Barrier Island (November 28th)

Enjoy another superb continental breakfast before embarking on one of the Island’s marquee annual events - The Aotea Great Barrier Island Garden Adventure

This is a unique opportunity to view a variety of residential gardens on the Island. The guided tours will enable you to visit charming cottage gardens, to see spectacular coastal panoramas and experience the hidden native flora and birdlife. The ticket includes tour transportation, a scrumptious Morning Tea and a charming Devonshire Afternoon Tea.

We are doing the Nikau Tour which is on relatively flat terrain. Visit six wonderful gardens ranging from those with extensive vistas to tranquil quiet spaces. Geographically involves central and southern Aotea Great Barrier. This day out means mixing with the locals and truly experiencing what life is like living on the island.

After a great day out we have another great meal together then hit the sack ready to go again tomorrow!

Accommodation: Sunset Waterfront Lodge

Great Barrier Island (November 29th)

We have another hearty breakfast and then get set for another special day.

First up we 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.

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.

After lunch 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. (Please note this walk is not compulsory) and there is a shorter walk if you’d prefer not to go too far into the bush.

Pizza Night My Fat Puku is a local favourite on the Island so tonight we head there for dinner and drinks.

Accommodation: Sunset Waterfront Lodge

Great Barrier Island (November 30th)

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 to check out the Art Gallery and museum before heading to the airport for our return flight to Auckland.

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