Tramping

Steeped in history and rich in native flora and bird life the northern half of Great Barrier Island is 85% administered by the Department of Conservation as a Forest Reserve. The network of over 100kms of well maintained tracks wind throughout the native forest along rugged mountain ridges, beside shaded streams, along pohutukawa fringed coves through palm groves and past waterfalls.

After 40 years of native re-afforestation over 2000 hectares of kauri, rimu, totara, tanekaha, tawa and other native tree species have gained ascendancy and begun to reclad the northern half of the island in a forest which future generations will enjoy rather than despoil. The majority of the island's tracks originate in Port FitzRoy. Where necessary transport can be arranged to the start of the tracks and collection by our yacht ‘Rainbow V’ at the end of the track.

GLENFERN SANCTUARY WALK
Within the FitzRoy House property is Glenfern Valley with its own walking tracks. This valley ecosystem is being intensively managed to exclude predators, viz cats and rats and to provide a sanctuary for our native species. One track traverses the ridgeline around the perimeter of the valley while another winds up beside the stream, through its centre. Great views of Port FitzRoy and Port Abercrombie can be seen along the way.

MT HOBSON TRAMP - SAIL
Transport is provided from FitzRoy House to Windy Canyon. This is the start of Palmers Track to the top of Mt Hobson, starting out at an altitude of 300m. The walk takes you through Windy Canyon with its sharp pinnacles, nikau grove and rata covered cliffs. The track continues along the ridge line with a short steep climb through alpine podacarp forest to the top of Mt Hobson for excellent 360 views of the island. The Black Petrel breeds here amongst remnants of original unlogged kauri forest. After a rest, fill in the visitor book and descend the steps and boardwalk past the largest and best preserved kauri dam, a relic of the timber logging days to the Kaiaraara Stream. On your way a short diversion takes you to Twin Falls where two waterfalls tumble into a deep pool. Just past the Kaiaraara Hut take the left fork on the Kiwiriki Track to Bush’s Beach where "Rainbow V" will be waiting. Total time 5 hours. Up to 4 people $150 over 4 persons $35pp

COOPER’S CASTLE - KAURI DAM
Transport is provided from Fitzroy House to the top of the FitzRoy Hill and the start of the Cooper’s Castle track. A fairly steep climb up to the top of the southern ridge and then walk along the ridge through some beautiful nikau palm groves to the 600ft bluff at Cooper’s Castle. This provides a magnificent panorama of the Whangapoua Estuary and beach. From here the track drops steeply down to the Kaiaraara Valley and a 15min walk up the Mt Hobson track arrives at the Kaiaraara Dam. After time to rest and soak feet in the cool clear water it is time to walk back down to the Kaiaraara hut and take the Kiwiriki Track to Bush’s Beach and "Rainbow V". Total Time 5 hours. Up to 4 people $120 over 4 persons $25pp

FOREST WALK - WHANGAPARAPARA TO PORT FITZROY
Transport is provided from FitzRoy House to Whangaparapara. Cross the swing bridge over the stream and take the left fork, Withey’s Track, over the hill to the Wairahi River. The track follows the river where some remains of the old bush railway trestle bridges can still be identified. This part of the walk is very picturesque with great photo apportunities in many places. The track joins the old Forest Road for a short distance and then at the top of the hill a short diversion leads to Mt Maungapiko for views of the west coast, FitzRoy harbour and the forested interior. Return to the road and walk down the Kiwiriki track through large groves of regenerating kauri forest to Kiwiriki Bay. A short walk along the east edge of the bay arrives at the landing site and "Rainbow V". Total Time 5.5 hours. Up to 4 people $200 5-10 people $45pp

HOT SPRINGS TO PORT FITZROY
Depart from FitzRoy House for the start of the Hot Springs track on the road to Whangaparapara. Boardwalks cross the Kaitoke swamp and then a level walk follows the edge to the hot springs. After a soak in the creek follow the track which forks left to the old Forest Road. Turn right on the road and continue to the junction with the Kiwiriki track. A short diversion takes you to the top of Mt Maungapiko. Return to the road and walk down the Kiwiriki track through groves of regenerating kauris to Kiwiriki Bay where a short walk along the edge of the bay arrives at the landing site and "Rainbow V". Total Time 6 hours. Up to 4 people $190 : 5-10 people $40pp

In all of these excursions "Rainbow V" will be waiting at the appointed bay with refreshments before sailing back to Port FitzRoy.

The Department of Conservation manages most of the tracks and has an information office in Port Fitzroy. Call or drop in to get advice maps and information. The field centre is a short walk from the Port Fitzroy wharf or call 09 4290044.