Great Barrier Island Stay and Play – Tauranga to Great Barrier Direct

Itinerary

• The order of activities listed may change due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather. This is the nature of being on an Island but half the fun, of course. 


• No Single Supplement Available Sorry

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 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 will visit the Community Arts Village where all the local artists are able to highlight their work. Our journey will then continue 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 is the perfect spot to relax and watch the sun set. Take time to settle in and explore the lodge before joining your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant located close to the property.  

DAY TWO                                       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 splendid views of Rakitu Island, The Windy Canyon, and Pacific Ocean Panoramas.  Depending on our time and weather we may stop for a cuppa-and-cake at Awana where we enjoy an optional walk along this spectacular east coast surf beach.

DAY THREE                                    B, L, D

Step into a world of wonder and natural beauty with today's full-day tour of Jacques Bees Limited. As we arrive at the front of reception, we will be greeted by the friendly team who will take us on a guided walk around the stunning property. Jacques Haven is a literal bird and bee paradise, where we will get to sample some of the best manuka honey in the region. With its unique flavour and health benefits, it is a true taste of New Zealand's natural bounty. After our tour, we will enjoy some lunch before heading to Okiwi Passion for a garden tour and talk. With its vibrant flora and fauna, it is a feast for the senses and a perfect opportunity to learn about the local environment. From here we will make our way back to Tryphena, where there will be time for those who would like an afternoon dip or just take some time to put your feet up. We will enjoy our final evening together at a local restaurant, taking the time to review our fabulous time on Great Barrier.

DAY FOUR                                      B  

This morning we will visit Puriri & Schooner Bay Rds, 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. If time allows, we will have a look in at Elephant Gallery and admire some art and stop at Oreville Stamping Battery on Whangaparapara Road. Lunch will be at a local cafe. We will have just enough time to visit the Pigeon Post for gifts/souvenirs before checking in for our flights home.