Without a doubt the jewel in the crown of the beautiful Hauraki Gulf is Great Barrier Island. This almost mystical place, 100km northeast of central Auckland, has always seemed so far away and ‘other-worldly’ and yet, always part of the New Zealand idyll.
These days it’s easier to get there than ever before. So, we’re returning to ‘the Barrier’ to spend time, over 5 Days, with the locals to experience one of New Zealand’s last untouched paradises. This time will allow us to enjoy everything at ‘Island pace’. Here’s a glimpse at what’s in store;
We fly first to Auckland and then on to Great Barrier Island itself. Enjoying spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf and Waiheke Island before landing at Claris and being met by our host, Leigh, who’ll be showing us around.
Over the next few days we’ll enjoy a wonderful series of spectacular, scenic destinations like Medlands Beach, The Windy Canyon, Pacific Ocean Panoramas and the ‘Forgotten Wharf’ at Blind Bay. We’ll meet the locals and hear the stories at community spots such as Tryphena Wharf, Shoal Bay Estate, The Barrier Social Club and Jacque’s Haven.
We’ll take a cruise aboard the launch ‘Sundancer’ up the island’s west coast past old Kauri sawmills and deserted whaling stations, then head through the spectacular Broken Isles and Man-O’-War Passage. At Port Fitzroy we’ll disembark and visit the amazing Glenfern Sanctuary, a predator-free forest, where we’ll be guided around their native plant and bird reintroduction facilities and up to Sunset Rock for jaw-dropping panoramic views of Port Fitzroy Harbour itself. How about a walk along a gentle forest track bound by ancient Nikau Palms to Hot Springs for a soak? Visit Okupu Beach to see some truly ancient Pohutakawa trees and take a look around an organic farm known as Okiwi Passion. Sharing a meal with friends is an occasion to be revered and enjoyed on ‘the Barrier’ too. Orla at Currach Irish Pub and Steve at Mulberry Grove Store & Café are examples of locals whose larger-than-life personalities are reflected in their hospitality. All this whilst staying at Leigh’s own Sunset Waterfront Lodge, just a few metres from the water’s edge in Shoal Bay. For many, a trip to Great Barrier Island is a ‘bucket-list’ item. The opportunity to visit this iconic maritime region of New Zealand is rare. This is the chance you’ve been waiting for, encompassing all the levels of Bay Tours service you’ve come to expect. Join us for an unforgettable odyssey around this island wonderland.
We’re also running this tour on Wed 30th Oct – Sun 3rd Nov AND Wed 13th – Sun 17th Nov 2024. Both of these dates are currently fully booked; however if either of these dates work better for you, we recommend putting your name on the waitlist in case a spot becomes available.