Great Barrier Island Guided Tour Tauranga Direct and Scenic Flight Over the Coromandel.

Itinerary

DAY ONE L, D 

We fly into Claris where we are met by our driver-guide and head off to explore the Great Barrier Island. Upon arrival we will head to the beach for a picnic lunch and take the time to stretch our legs and stroll along Medlands Beach. After our first taste of paradise, we will continue onto Tryphena Wharf and visit the pretty Shoal Bay Pottery. We will then meander our way to our waterfront accommodation for our time on the island. Located right on the water's edge at Tryphena, one of Great Barrier Island's gateways to beautiful beaches and intoxicating native bush and bird life. It's the perfect spot to relax and watch the sun set. Take time to settle in and explore the lodge before joining your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant located close to the property.  

DAY TWO B, L, D 

This morning we visit Jacque’s Haven... a literal bird and bee paradise! After a guided walk around this amazing property, we get to sample Jacque’s top notch manuka honey… which you’ll be able to purchase at a very visitor friendly rate. After our tasty experience we will continue our journey to  Whangaparapara for our scrummy Picnic Lunch. We take the 10min walk along the Kaitoke Hot Springs track to a stunning ‘Gt Barrier Island Nikau Palm’ grove. Our journey will then continue onto the famous ‘Milk, Honey & Grain Museum, gaining insights into the lives of the people that first came to the island, with themes including industry, technology, and historic events. This is a 'hands-on' museum where patrons are encouraged to explore every nook & cranny, turn every handle, and fossick through the artefacts. After this we'll visit the Community Arts Village where all the local artists are able to showcase their work. From here we'll make our way back to Tryphena there will be time for those who would like an afternoon dip or just take some time to put your feet up. This evening we will be heading out to another great local restaurant for dinner close to our accommodation. 

DAY THREE B, L, D 

After breakfast, this morning we tour up the island to Whangaparapara where we board ‘Sundancer’ for our spectacular coastal cruise. We look at the old Kauri Sawmill and Whaling Station sites before heading up the west coast & through the spectacular Broken Isles. Once through the Man O’ War Passage we enjoy a scrumptious on-board lunch in the sheltered waters of the beautiful Port Fitzroy Harbour.  After lunch, we disembark Sundancer and once back on the bus we visit the Glenfern Sanctuary - where we enjoy an informative presentation about the sanctuary which is home for kaka parrots, wood pigeons and banded rail etc. After the presentation talk the group will be transferred to Sunset Rock for an amazing panoramic view of Port Fitzroy Harbour and beyond. We travel back via the east coast by bus enjoying great views of Rakitu Island, The Windy Canyon and Pacific Ocean Panoramas.  We stop for a cuppa-and-cake at Awana where we enjoy an optional walk along this spectacular east coast surf beach. We will enjoy our final night together out taking the time to review our fabulous time on Great Barrier. 

DAY FOUR B, L,  

This morning we will visit Puriri & Schooner Bay Rds and the Elephant Gallery Elephant’ (a new gallery) we explore around to the Tryphena Wharf. We call into Okupu Beach to check out the ancient Pohutukawa trees and then tour around to the ‘forgotten wharf’ at Blind Bay... a very scenic route with lovely old stone bridges and deep gullied streams. Whilst here we will enjoy our last scrummy picnic lunch taking in the pristine scenery that Great Barrier has to offer. We will have just enough time to visit the Pigeon Post for gifts/souvenirs and grab a tea or coffee at My Fat Puku Café before checking in for our flights home.