PRIVATE JETTY AND FLOATING DOCK

A gentle walk from the cottage is the private jetty, floating-dock, boat-shed, and floating ramp, which have been designed specifically to cater for all marine activities. Lockable storage is available in the boat-shed for dive-tanks, fishing-rods and other marine gear. With 2m of water alongside, at low spring tide, most boats can tie-up to the floating dock. A step-ladder off the dock makes swimming, fishing, paddling or sailing in the harbour's clear, clean water an easily-enjoyable experience. An aluminum dinghy and canoes are available for your use as our guests, by arrangement. Fish to catch your dinner, or canoe the tranquil waters to the mouth of the inlet and come within a paddle's-length of local bird colonies.

FISHING AND SEA KAYAKING

There are many interesting spots, around the harbour, including WWII fortifications, pioneer graveyards and tidal creeks. Sea kayaks are available for hire from FitzRoy House. A 12-ft. aluminum dinghy is freely available and an outboard motor can be hired. If you are keen on fishing then an experienced eye will no doubt lead you to some likely spots.

CROQUET, ANYONE?

After a day's exploration of the Barrier, relax and enjoy a game of croquet. The croquet lawn and equipment are available for guests to enjoy (adults only). This is a pleasant, but ruthless game, which anyone can play given 10 minutes of instruction.

SUN, SURF AND SWIMMING

A vehicle is required to visit the east side of the Island where there are spectacular white-sand beaches, which offer great swimming, sunbathing and surfing opportunities. In the off-peak season, you can find yourself alone on the beach.

HIRE CARS, BIKES & TOURS

A popular way to see the Island! - tour by car or mountain-bike. Car-hire can be arranged, but bring your own mountain-bike as these are not available at Port FitzRoy. The Forest Road is renowned throughout New Zealand as a mountain-bike route. This 4WD track has been closed to vehicular traffic, other than Department of Conservation vehicles, as it was originally built to service the native re-afforestation projects in the early 1950's. Now, some central areas of the Great Barrier Forest are accessible on the saddle of a mountain bike.