Tramping

Tramping around Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island is a must for trampers of all ages and ability levels.Spectacular scenery surrounds you as you walk through native forest and canyons, along the coast, or past waterfalls and streams or relics of the past like the Kauri Dams depending on your route.

D.O.C. who own and administer 70% of The Barrier, maintain most of the Island’s 100kms of tracks and walkways,while the balance are either on private land as at Glen Fern Sanctuary in Port Fitzroy or managed by Auckland city.

D.O.C. publishes a fairly detailed map of Great Barrier showing the location and approximate walking times for all of their 23 designated trails.This is available at most accommodation venues including Stray Possum Lodge for $2.00 and is money well spent.

Spend the day walking from Windy Canyon over Mount Hobson with 360 degree veiws on a clear day and then down to the Hot Springs for a soak before walking out to the road through wetlands and groves of the largest Nikau palms in New Zealand. ( 6hrs )

Try the Coastal Walk from Okiwi to beautiful Harataonga beach (5hrs ) or for those looking for a more leisurely day out there are shorter scenic walks like the Old Lady Track at the top of the Port Fitzroy hill ( 45mins ), the Wairarapa Graves Walk at the northern end of spectacular Whangapoua beach ( 30mins ) or catch the breathtaking views from the top of the Windy Canyon Lookout Track at the summit of the Whangapoua Hill. ( 30mins )

For those experienced trampers really keen to get away from it all the Burril Track starts on Mabey road and heads into the wilderness of the D.O.C. preserve at the top of the Island. ( 8hrs )

Safety first.

We advise guests to use good quality footwear, dress for the conditions, to carry some food and water and to let us know where they are going and when they expect to return.
Bring Mozzie spray!  Enjoy the walks!!