BUBBLE BUSTER TOUR - GREAT BARRIER ISLAND
Hosted on Great Barrier Island
Free home pick up and return between Albany, Westgate, and Papakura. (Sometimes it is possible to fly from North Shore airfield - transfers not included).
4 days/3 nights - tuesday to friday.
Update 17 January
2021. Maximum 10 passengers. Cost $1,690 share twin, $1,950 single.
January 19 - 22 1 room (2 people) available. Staying Great Barrier Island Lodge
February 23 - 26. 1 villa available. Staying Sunset Waterfront Lodge
March 16 - 19. 3 villas and 1 studio available. Staying Sunset Waterfront Lodge.
March 30 - April 02. villas and 1 studio available.
April 27 - 30 8 spaces available. Staying Sunset Waterfront Lodge
Includes: Home pickup and return between Albany and Papakura, return air fares, 3 nights accommodation and continental breakfast, comprehensive sightseeing, dinner daily, and one lunch included.
If you live in the north it is usually possible to arrange to fly from and back to North Shore airfield. We do not provide transfers but parking at North Shore is $5 for the 1st day and $1 per additional day $8 for 4 days!
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Day 1. Tuesday AUCKLAND - GREAT BARRIER (D)
Meet your tour host at Auckland airport and depart Auckland airport (usually 12pm) for the scenic 30 minute flight with panoramic views of Auckland City and Hauraki Gulf Islands including 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 introduced to the Island. Take a lunch break at a local cafe (own expense) and visit Shoal Bay Pottery.Tour 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 en route to your accommodation at Sunset Waterfront Lodge at Mulberry Grove in Tryphena Harbour, Great Barrier Island Lodge at Whangaparapara, or our Premium tour at Trillium Lodge. Dinner included tonight.
Great Barrier Island is a recognised Dark Sky Sanctuary. We strongly recommend come stargazing with a dark sky ambassador with binoculars and 8" telescope (and coffee or herbal tea!) provided - extra cost $120 plus transfers. This experience is weather dependent. We will reserve for tonight those who wish to go, and change the night for better views if necessary. Transfers from your accommodation to and from Medlands Beach are also required - additional expense.
An alternative hot spring and dark sky experience is available which involves some walking - extra cost $180 per person.
Day 2. Wednesday GREAT BARRIER (BLD)
Today we explore the coast of Great Barrier on a 4-5 hour cruise from Whangaparapara to Port Fitzroy. See the photo display of early mining, whaling, and timber extraction and the remains of the whaling station and timber mill locations, tour through the Broken Islands while enjoying morning tea. See the spectacular coastline, and the Man O' War entrance to beautiful Port Fitzroy Harbour. Usually dolphin encounters are experienced during the cruise. A picnic lunch is provided on board and there is the opportunity to swim. There is the option to land on Motu Kaikoura to feed the snapper, and visit Glenfern Sanctuary in Fitzroy Harbour. Return to your accommodation by mini bus and on the way we will visit spectacular 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.
Please note: as this cruise involves some open ocean cruising your enjoyment will depend on the weather to a degree. We reserve the right to swap the cruise and sightseeing on wednesday/thursday and if the open sea weather is too unpleasant a more extended cruise of Fitzroy harbour will be provided instead.
Tonight we go to the Social Club for dinner with the opportunity to meet some of the local residents.
Day 3. Thursday GREAT BARRIER (BD)
You will be picked up from your accommodation for around 6 hours exploring the island with your guide. Enjoy a 45 minute relatively easy walk through the forest and wetlands to the natural hot pools in a small stream with the opportunity for a soak if you wish. 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 Heritage Art Gallery and Museum, and Honey Shop. Return to your accommodation about 4pm.
Day 4. Friday GREAT BARRIER - AUCKLAND (B)
Transfer to Claris Airfield for your scenic flight across the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City at Auckland International Airport.
We will normally use a flight departing Great Barrier at 12.00pm arriving Auckland 12.30pm. Alternative flights available at 9am and 5pm. You are welcome to stayover on the Barrier and explore or relax as you wish.
Tour cost per person:
2 per room $1,690 Single room $ $1,950
Tour cost includes:
** Free pick up and return from home anywhere between Albany and Papakura..
** Return flights from Auckland airport to Claris with Barrier Air or Fly My Sky.
** Three nights accommodation and breakfast
** Three dinners at your accommodation or alternative venues. We will usually have dinner with the local people at the Social Club one night.
** Comprehensive sightseeing by mini bus with your local guide including admissions where necessary.
** Coastal cruise between Whangaparara and Port Fitzroy or vice versa including picnic lunch.
Please note order of sightseeing may be changed to suit weather and other reasons. Opening hours of some galleries can be erratic!
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