Auckland’s Untamed Island Tour

Great Barrier Island Is just a 30 minute flight from the city but a world away from the hustle and bustle. Ecological diversity has thrived in the predator free environment of Great Barrier Island, where with the help of your knowledgeable guide you will find many species of New Zealand birds, some of them rare and endangered. A guided trip on Great Barrier Island means that you make the best use of your day on the island.

Auckland’s Untamed Island Tour
7.15am – 5.30pm from Auckland Airport
includes flights, breakfast and picnic lunch

A thirty minute flight by light plane over the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf brings you to majestic Great Barrier Island.

After breakfast at a local café take an easy half hour walk on gravelled tracks and boardwalks past giant Nikau palms and rare native flora and fauna over unique wetlands to the Kaitoke natural thermal springs.

The adventure continues as we drive past native bush and rugged peaks to the secluded natural harbour at Port Fitzroy where we have a relaxed kiwi style picnic lunch. A short drive takes us to a sweeping, often deserted stretch of pristine white sand. There is time here for a swim or a meander along the beach to visit the graves of those drowned in one of New Zealand’s worst shipwrecks.

Visit the only working cattle and sheep farm on the island where relics of the past remain. Here the world’s largest population of Brown Teal can be found, a friendly little duck on the verge of extinction. At a nearby stream, monster eels come when called and can be fed – if you dare!

This unforgettable day is rounded off with a climb to the top of Windy Canyon, a spectacular short walk. The path winds around rocky outcrops and past sheer cliffs coated with rata vines and takes in breathtaking views of the island and beyond.

The flight back returns you to Auckland Airport at 5.30pm

• Moderate level of walking ability required
• Transfers to the airport available at additional cost
• Comfortable walking shoes and suitable outdoor clothing required.
• Subject to weather conditions for flight
• Tour in conjunction with Mountain Air

Click here to see Auckland or Coromandel Peninsula guided day trips