Great Barrier Island. 3-4 days

GREAT BARRIER ISLAND

This tour can operate any day for minimum of 4 passengers subject to availability of space on flights, accommodation and driver/guide. make a group of 6 or more for lower costs. Meals are not included but each unit at Sunset has a gas cooker and full size fridge and all the crockery and cutlery you need.  There is a convenience store and cafe next door serving excellent western and Thai food and takeaways.

Barrier Air operate 5-8 flights daily between Auckland airport and Claris, 4 days a week  between North Shore airport and Claris and 3 days a week (sunday, wednesday, friday) from Tauranga - schedules are subject to change and can be checked on www.barrierair.kiwi. Flights can be sometimes delayed through fog or low cloud on the island or severe winds

You will be well looked after on the island for transfers and sightseeing by your local host. 

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Day 1.    AUCKLAND or TAURANGA - GREAT BARRIER.                  

Depart Auckland or Tauranga for the scenic flight with panoramic views of Auckland City and Hauraki Gulf Islands which may include Rangitoto, Kawau, and Little Barrier en route to Claris airfield on Great Barrier - weather permitting and subject to air traffic control routing. You will be met by your friendly host and transferred to  accommodation at Sunset Waterfront Lodge at Mulberry Grove in Tryphena Harbour.  

Day 2.     GREAT BARRIER                         

Today we explore the northern area of Great Barrier including Whangaparapara Harbour. See the photo display of early mining, whaling, and timber extraction and the remains of the whaling station and timber mill locations. Continue by road to beautiful Port Fitzroy Harbour. We visit Glenfern Sanctuary in Fitzroy Harbour and learn of the conservation work here and visit the spectacular lookout and one of the few remaining kauri trees. On the way home we will visit Kiwi Passion* OR Jacques Haven* to find the uniqueness of life off the grid on Great Barrier. Also visit Windy Canyon for a 15-20 minute walk each way (with a lot of steps!) to the lookout and get some great photos of the beautiful beaches. 

Optional Dark Sky experience with local expert. Relax on the beach with telescopes and hot chocolate and marvel at the heavens -- extra cost $130.

Optional 4 hour coastal cruise from Whangaparapara to Glenfern Sanctuary via the Broken Islands, Motu Kaikoura restoration project, and Fitzroy Harbour including a tour of Glenfern Sanctuary. Extra Cost $240 per person including morning tea and lunch. Cruise is subject to minimum numbers and weather.

Day 3.         GREAT BARRIER                  

You will be picked up from your accommodation for around 6-7 hours exploring the island with your guide.  Enjoy a 45 minute relatively easy walk through the forest and wetlands to the natural  hot springs in a small stream.  Medlands Beach is one of the most beautiful on the island and you will have the opportunity to photograph and walk part of it and climb Memory Rock. Continue to Claris and visits can include Milk and Honey Museum, Patina Gallery and the Heritage Art Gallery and Museum.  Return to your accommodation about 4pm.

Day 4.            GREAT BARRIER - AUCKLAND     

Visit Shoal Bay Pottery and spectacular views of the southern end of the island, Colville Channel, and Coromandel peninsula in fine weather.Tryphena area including Puriri Bay and the Elephant and Black Cow galleries. Transfer to Claris Airfield for your scenic flight across the Hauraki Gulf back to your original airport.             

We will normally use a flight departing Great Barrier early afternoon. You are welcome to stayover on the Barrier and explore or relax as you wish.  

4-5 travelling. 2 per room $1,990. Single Room $2,346

6-8 travelling. 2 per room $1,890. Single room $2,246

Tour cost includes 

** Return flights from Auckland, North  Shore, or Tauranga airport to Claris with Barrier Air

** Three nights accommodation. (No meals included).

** Comprehensive sightseeing by mini bus with your local guide including admissions where necessary.

Please note: order of sightseeing may be changed to suit weather and other reasons. Opening hours of some galleries and attractions can be erratic! "Sorry, we are closed as we are 'off island' for a week is too common!   

Rooms are not serviced daily at our accommodation. Extra towels or bedding are available on request

Mosquitoes can be a problem if out in the evenings. We suggest taking some insect repellant. Also a small torch for an evening stroll to the beach!    Great Barrier is "off the grid" - all electricity is locally generated and water is collected from rain and bores and must be boiled for drinking.

Free wi-fi is provided at Sunset Lodge. Vodafone reception is virtually non existent in Mulberry Grove although OK at Claris. Spark reception is OK at the Lodge.