Great Barrier Island. 4 days

GREAT BARRIER ISLAND BUBBLE BUSTER TOUR.

Day 1. Tuesday    AUCKLAND - GREAT BARRIER                   (D)

Home pickup from anywhere between Albany and Papakura and meet your tour host at Auckland airport. Depart Auckland 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. Depending on time of flights we will 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.  Dinner included tonight. 

PLEASE NOTE: Order of sightseeing may be changed to suit the weather and opening of galleries - which can be very erratic.

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 we visit Glenfern Sanctuary in Fitzroy Harbour and learn of the conservation work here.. 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. If the open sea weather is too unpleasant a more extended cruise of Fitzroy harbour will be provided instead. If the "Sundancer" is unable to get to Fitzroy alternative shore sightseeing of Fitzroy Harbour and Glenfern Sanctuary will be provided and a refund of $50 per person made - lunch not included.

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 and the Heritage Art Gallery and Museum..  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. You are welcome to stayover on the Barrier and explore or relax as you wish.                                 

Tour cost includes:

** Free pick up and return from home anywhere between Albany and Papakura..  

** Return flights from Auckland or North Shore airports to Claris with Barrier Air

** Three nights accommodation and continental breakfast

** Three dinners at your accommodation or alternative venues. We will usually have one dinner at an alternative venue.

** 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 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 rail and bores.

All participants must be fully vaccinated.   

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.