4 – 5 hr one way, advanced tramping track, no dogs. This easy walk does not have the steep grades of many of the islands other tracks. It winds through regenerating forest and was once the road linking the islands south and north. From Harataonga campsite, the track heads west across a stream before following a coastline of magnificent views. Read more…
45 mins one way. Kaitoke Hot Springs Track is a popular easy walk following the edge of the Kaitoke Swamp to sulphurous hot springs. Continue on the Peach Tree Track to Mt Hobson (Hirakimata). Starting from Whangaparapara Road, the journey to the springs begins flat and easy – very friendly for push-chairs. The path follows an ancient shoreline traversing the Read more…
3.3 km, 3 hrs one way. Palmer’s Track to Mt Hobson Hirakimata begins at the top of Whangapoua Hill on Aotea Road and is the shortest and easiest of the three paths to the summit of Mt Hobson Hirakimata. The track follows the ridge offering constantly changing vistas in every direction before climbing steeply to the summit, traversing steep inclines Read more…
1 hr one way, easy walking track. The Bridle Track is an alternative to walking the road. Its an an easy grade through indigenous and exotic forest. The lower section is rocky and can be rough and uneven under foot. The track starts and ends on Kaiaraara Road, just south of Port Fitzroy. Information courtesy of the Department of Conservation. Read more…
2 hr 30 min – 3 hr one way, advanced tramping track. Walk to a lookout with extensive views. Cooper’s Castle Track begins at the top of the Okiwi/Port Fitzroy Hill and ascends the southern ridge, under a forest canopy with views of both sides of the island. At a signposted junction reached after 2 hours, a 5 minute detour Read more…
13 km one way, 5 hrs, advanced tramping track, mountain biking, no dogs. Forest Road is a popular trek for both trampers and mountain bikers, providing a wide array of beautiful bush and mountain views. Unfortunately the old Kauri Dam was washed away in a severe storm circa 2013. The track starts at the end of Kaiaraara Bay Rd, south Read more…
1 hr one way, easy walking track. Warren’s Track is a gently graded climb to a waterfall. The stream offers deep pools good for swimming. It continues on through kauri plantation before joining the Bridle Track, which leads to the Port Fitzroy store. The track starts and ends on Kaiaraara Road, opposite the entrance to the Akapoua Bay Campsite, just Read more…
Station Rock Road is at the top of Medland Road traveling from Tryphena. A short 15 minute walk to the scenic lookout which offers stunning views of Tryphena Bay at 630 metres. Read more…
30 mins one way, easy walking track, no dogs. In one of the worst shipwrecks in New Zealands maritime history, about 140 people drowned when the SS Wairarapa hit rocks near Miners Head on 29 October 1894. Most of the dead from the shipwreck were taken back to Auckland. But some remain buried on the island in two small cemeteries. Read more…
13 km one way, 5 hrs, advanced tramping track, mountain biking, no dogs. Forest Road is a popular trek for both trampers and mountain bikers, providing a wide array of beautiful bush and mountain views. The track entrance is opposite the Te Ahumata track on Whangparapara Road. Information courtesy of the Department of Conservation. Detailed information including current alerts available Read more…
1 hour, advanced tramping track, no dogs. Discover interesting flora and panoramic views at the top of Te Ahumata (398 m). This track follows an old mining road between Whangaparapara and Blind Bay roads. From either end a 30-minute gradual climb leads to a junction, where a branch track (a further 30 minutes) leads to the summit covered with wind-shorn, Read more…
8 km one way, 6 hrs, advanced tramping track, no dogs. The Tramline Track system traverses most of Great Barrier island at its widest point. The track receives minimal upkeep – for fit trampers only. From its northeastern beginning on Aotea Road, the track follows the old tramline used by the Kauri Timber Company during the 1920s and 1930s. It Read more…