Great Barrier Island

25-29 October 2021

Such a popular tour, that we only have one space left. This is a twin share opportunity with a man only $2825.

To book this room, ring now on 0800 471 227 ext 2

Discover the hidden gem of the Hauraki Gulf, encounter unique and endangered wildlife, experience rugged natural beauty, admire the talents of local artisans, covet the relaxed lifestyle the folk of the Barrier lead and enjoy endless walking opportunities.

Great Barrier Island is the largest island in the Hauraki Gulf, and the most untouched. The island has a bush covered craggy volcanic interior with a coastline of beautiful bays and beaches and is a haven for rare birds and lizards. However a reasonable level of fitness is a must in order to take full advantage of the many great walking opportunities and natural attractions that take a little physical effort to reach.

Please note that we take into consideration the weather conditions and the daily itinerary may alter accordingly.



Day 1

Monday 25 October - Travelling to Great Barrier Island via Auckland

This morning we are transferred to Wellington Airport where we join our Air New Zealand flight to Auckland. From here we check in for our afternoon flight to Great Barrier Island with Fly My Sky. We will be met at the main airport of Claris by our local tour guide Steve from Go Great Barrier Island Tours. He will deliver us to Great Barrier Lodge, our accommodation overlooking Whangaparapara Harbour - a cosy island lodge dating from 1922. You will have time to settle in and explore your new surroundings with its backdrop of bush and birdsong, before dining in this evening.

Day 2

Tuesday 26 October - Medlands, Tryphena and Hot Springs

This (and every) morning we enjoy continental breakfast together at Great Barrier Lodge. After breakfast we board our bus, ready for today’s exploration. We take a stroll on the beautiful sweep of Medlands Beach on the eastern coast before heading off to explore the village of Tryphena. We visit Shoal Bay Pottery where we discover the works of talented potter Sarah Harrison, before moving on to Elephant Gallery, where quality local crafts and art works are displayed in a woolshed. Lunch today (included) is at the Pa Beach Café, recommended by locals. This afternoon we take you on one of Great Barrier’s most popular walks to the Kaitoke Hot Springs. While walking is easy on a level graded track, it is a 40 minute walk each way, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. The first part of the trail passes through beautiful coastal nikau forest, which in itself is a worthwhile stroll for anyone wanting an easier option. Continuing on to the site of the springs, we will be rewarded by a soak in these completely natural hot pools set amongst a canopy of native bush. Returning to our lodge, there is time to relax before dining in tonight.

Day 3

Wednesday 27 October - Boat Cruise to Port Fitzroy and Glenfern Sanctuary

This morning we stroll the short distance down to Whangaparapara Wharf where we join Captain Chris Ollivier and his vessel Sundancer for a scenic cruise up the western shoreline. Our cruise includes the Broken Islands and Man O’ War Passage, and up to Port Fitzroy Harbour at the north western end of the island. We find a sheltered bay to enjoy lunch before berthing at Fitzroy Wharf, where Steve will meet us to transfer us over to Glenfern Sanctuary. Founded by former owner and conservationist, the late Tony Bouzaid, the sanctuary was purchased in 2016 by funding from the Nature Heritage Foundation (DOC) together with Auckland Council who officially own the land. Our tour begins with a talk from the ranger about the flora, fauna and history of this unique property, before we drive up to Sunset Rock to enjoy a magnificent overview of the 60-hectare predator proofed sanctuary as well as commanding vistas of Fitzroy Harbour and Port Abercrombie. An optional walk through regenerating forest provides a unique opportunity to walk into the canopy of a 600-year-old kauri tree, via a short swing bridge and a ladder. We then make our way back down the island by bus, stopping for a wander at Okiwi Reserve, where you are likely to spot numerous cheeky kaka and a flock of noisy kakariki.

We dine out this evening at a popular restaurant in Claris; a last opportunity to mix and mingle and share our impressions of a rare opportunity to experience life on one of New Zealand’s most beautiful islands.

Day 4

Thursday 28 October - Windy Canyon and Arts and Crafts

This morning we take a drive to Windy Canyon, where we take a short but rewarding walk up through dramatic volcanic formations. The walk follows a boardwalk through nikau and kauri before climbing steps up through the canyon, rewarding us with magnificent views of the island. Also keep your eye out for taiko/black petrel burrows, and the rare Great Barrier daisy.

Lunch today (included) is at My Fat Puku Café. Great Barrier Island is a haven for artisans and crafts people and following lunch we visit the Aotea Community Art Gallery, a collective for local artists and crafts people to exhibit exceptional works. We also visit the Museum of Milk, Grain and Honey, a small but informative community museum jam-packed with local history. We visit Okupu Harbour - a deep sheltered bay on the Western side of the island.

If time permits we also visit passionate beekeeper, Jacques. Then strap yourselves in and blow out the cobwebs on a short, fun ride with Steve on “Crazyhorse”, his custom built trike, before we return to our lodge to enjoy another evening of relaxed dining in this peaceful location.

Day 5

Friday 29 October - Travelling Home

Following breakfast, we will pack our bags, including our picnic lunch and enjoy our last drive across the island. Our staggered departures from Claris Airport get us safely back to Auckland. We then connect with our Air NZ flight back to Wellington where we farewell our fellow travellers, before being met by our transfer vehicles to return us to our home locations.

The cost of the tour includes

  • Continental Breakfasts
  • Lunches while on the island
  • All coach travel including airport transfers
  • Return flights Wellington - Auckland
  • Return flights Auckland - Great Barrier Island
  • Sightseeing tours on the island
  • Entry to Museum of Milk Grain and Honey
  • Fitzroy Harbour and Broken Islands Cruise
  • Talk and guided tour of Glenfern Sanctuary
  • Accommodation at Great Barrier Lodge, Whangaparapara
  • 2 course or buffet dinners

Departure Detail

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All costs associated with each tour are outlined in full within each tour itinerary. All pricing quoted is valid for the dates of tour when booked.
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Bookings for all Tranzit tours can be made through any Tranzit Coachlines Reservations Centre or an approved Travel Agent. Any person making a booking for others shall be deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions on behalf of all individuals they are booking on a tour and it is the responsibility of the person making the booking to bring these Terms and conditions to the attention of those individuals booked.
A deposit as stated in the Tour Itinerary is payable to secure the booking.
The balance must be paid in full by the date stated in the Tour Itinerary.
Any reservation made within fourteen (14) days of the tour departure must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Cancellations, Postponements and Alterations
Cancellations by the Customer
 Cancellations 45+ days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of your deposit, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.Cancellations 44 – 8 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.
Cancellations within 7 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 25% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.No refunds will be made for cancellations made within one day of departure or once travel has commenced. Refunds will not be provided for unused portions of a tour, unless the Customer can provide genuine reason and documentary evidence that services were unable to be utilised (and a refund if applicable is available from the other provider) in which case the company will review each request and may provide a partial refund at the sole discretion of the company.
Cancellations of one half of a twin share booking will result in the Customer cancelling being charged the cost of a single booking, if the Company is unable to match the twin share booking with another Customer.
Alterations by the Customer
The Customer may transfer their booking to another person for the same tour and commencement date, but only if the other person satisfies all of Tranzit Tours requirements in relation to the tour and provides us a completed Booking Form. The Customer must notify Tranzit Tours in writing of the intended transfer at least 30 days prior to the commencement date of the tour. A $60 transfer fee per person/per transfer will apply (in addition to any supplier change fees).
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Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or postpone a tour. With the exception of the Force Majeure section below, Tranzit Tours will:In the event of a tour being cancelled by the company prior to departure and not postponed – refund the total amount paid in respect of that tour or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.
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Alterations by the Company
Before Tour Commencement: If a major change to the tour needs to be made before departure, we will inform the Customer of the change as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.Tranzit Tours reserves the right to alter a tour (including the itinerary) and substitute accommodation facilities should unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, the company reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control.  Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour.  The company will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations, or those closures made at the tour provider’s discretion.
Tranzit Tours will inform the customer as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.
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Tranzit Tours are generally able to accommodate most fitness abilities; however, some tours may require a certain level of physical fitness for full enjoyment of tour activities. The Customer must inform Tranzit Tours, at the time of booking, of any health or fitness restrictions that may limit participation of tour activities or put the Customer, tour staff or other customers at risk. The Customer acknowledges that their suitability for a tour, or any activity within a tour, is wholly the Customer’s responsibility.
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Seat Rotation
For the enjoyment of all travellers Tranzit Tours operates a seat rotation system which all travellers must participate in as a condition of booking.
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Thank you Ali for your professionalism as our tour guide, Steve and I both enjoyed the tour very much. - Pearl, Travel Club Member