Great Barrier Island

BUBBLE BUSTER HOSTED TOUR  - GREAT BARRIER ISLAND

4 days/3 nights - tuesday to friday.   Hosted ex Auckland    

Group One.... November 10 - 13, 2020 

Group Two.....December 08 - 11, 2020 

Maximum participants 7 plus tour host in 2020.  

Return air fares, comprehensive sightseeing, breakfast and dinner daily, and one lunch included.

Day 1. Tuesday    AUCKLAND - GREAT BARRIER                   (D)

Meet your tour host at Auckland airport and depart Auckland airport at 10.30am 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 en route to your accommodation at Tipi and Bob's in Tryphena Harbour.  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.  This experience is weather dependent.  We  will reserve for tonight those who wish to go and change the night for better views if necessary.

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 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 OR Barrier Gold to see the Manuka and Kanuka oil extraction 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 an easy 15-20 minute walk each way 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 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)

10am. You will be picked up from your accommodation for around 6 hours exploring the island with your guide. Tour Tryphena area, including Puriri Bay and the Elephant gallery, then over to Schooner Bay to Black Cow gallery and Gooseberry Flat to a lookout for more spectacular views.  Take a lunch break at a local cafe (own expense) and visit Shoal Bay Pottery. 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, Honey Shop, Aotea Brewing and Island Gin Distillery with a final visit to Whangaparapara Bay and photo display., 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 12.30pm arriving Auckland 1pm. 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  $1,590     Single room   $1,850

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 at Bob and Tipi's at Tryphena harbour or Great Barrier Lodge at Port Fitzroy

** 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.