Things to do
Glenfern Sanctuary Guided Walk
Guests at Fitzroy House are welcome to explore the sanctuary however they please but for the full experience we recommend the guided tour with our environmental scientist in residence. Click here to read more.
Private jetty and floating dock
A gentle walk from the cottage is the FitzRoy House 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.
Spectrum single 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.
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.
Any time of the year you can often find yourself alone on the beach.
Hire cars, bikes and tours
A popular way to see the Island! - tour by car or mountain-bike. Car and mountain bike hire can be arranged in 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.
Tramping
Steeped in history and rich in native flora and bird life 85% of Great Barrier Island is 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 tramping tracks originate in Port Fitzroy.
For the ultimate day walk experience arrange to have us drop you off at the start of a track and pick you up from a secluded beach at the other end in our 12m cruising yacht "Rainbow V". For suggested routes refer to our "Hidden Trails" page
Windy Canyon- Mt Hobson-Kauri Dams-Bush’s Beach
Transport can be arranged to the start of Palmer’s Track which begins at an altitude of 300m and winds through Windy Canyon with its sharp pinnacles, nikau groves and rata covered cliffs. The track continues along the ridge line with a short steep climb through alpine podocarp forest to the top of Mt Hobson for 360 degree views of the island.
The black petrel breeds here amongst remnants of original unlogged kauri forest. After a rest, fill in the visitor’s book and descend the steps, boardwalks and inspiring suspension bridge to the largest and best preserved kauri dam, a relic of the timber logging days.
A short diversion takes you to Twin Falls where two waterfalls plunge into a deep pool. The track follows the Kaiaraara Stream crossing it with two more spectacular suspension bridges to the Kaiaraara hut. From here it is a 20min walk to Bush’s Beach, where the first sawmill was established on the island, where a boat pickup can be arranged. Alternatively it is a 45min walk along the road to Port FitzRoy.
Total time 51/2 to 6 hours
Old Lady Track-Cooper’s Castle- Kauri Dam-Bush’s Beach
Setting off on Glenfern Rd Old Lady Track follows the Rarohara Stream bed up the Port FitzRoy hill coming out on the road opposite the start of the Cooper’s Castle track. Alternatively catch a ride to the top of the hill and leave Old Lady Track for another day. Don’t consider walking up the road as it is a lot further, less interesting and harder than the track!
The Cooper’s Castle track climbs steeply to the top of the southern ridge then it follows the ridge through some beautiful nikau palm groves to the 600ft bluff at Cooper’s Castle. This provides a magnificent panorama of the Whangaparoa 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 kauri dam. After viewing this feat of engineering walk back down the track to the Kaiaraara hut and then to either Bush’s Beach or the road to Port FitzRoy.
Total time 5 to 6 hours
Kaitoke Hot Springs to Port FitzRoy
Catch a ride to the Hot Springs track on the Whangaparapara road. A bridge and boardwalks cross the Kaitoke swamp and then a level walk follows the edge to the hot springs. The water can be very hot if there has been little rain so take care when soaking in the creek. The track crosses the ridge to the junction with the Tramline Track which originates on Aotea Road and finishes at Whangaparapara. A bush tram railway used this route to cart kauri logs to the sawmill at Whangaparapara until the mill closed in 1914.
Turn left on the Tramline track and a gentle uphill grade arrives at the Forest Road. Turning right on the Forest Road takes you to Maugapiko where the road joins the Kiwiriki Track. At this junction there is a short side track that leads to Mt Maungapiko for great views down the west coast and into the interior of the island. This track will take you to the Landing in Kiwiriki Bay for a pick up by boat or further on to Bush’s Beach. Alternatively follow the Forest Road all the way back to Port FitzRoy.
Total time to the Landing 6 hours