Top Things to do in Great Barrier Island
Top Restaurants in Great Barrier Island
Top 5 Nature & Parks in Great Barrier Island, North Island
Discover the best top things to do in Great Barrier Island, New Zealand including Glenfern Sanctuary, Aotea Track, Medlands Beach, Mt Hobson via Windy Canyon, Kaitoke Hot Springs.
Restaurants in Great Barrier Island
1. Glenfern Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By NZDebNZ - Auckland, New Zealand
We had an amazing afternoon wondering around Glenfern. We were literally the only people there that afternoon. We walked up the bush track to the Kauri swing bridge, then across to Sunset Rock for an outstanding view of Port Fitzroy, then down the 4 wheel drive track. The native born life was abundant and singing away in the trees. Amazingly it was free to visit Glenfern. We left a donation in their visitors centre :-)
2. Aotea Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By Rain464
I did a variation of the Aotea Track at the end of May 2020. Stayed at the Great Barrier Lodge (highly recommended) at the start and end of the track. I highly recommend bringing along your hiking poles. It was pretty wet when I went, but it is pretty slippery clay so probably good to have them any time of the year. Entered near Green Campsite and did the Whitey Track (lots of ups and downs). Then joined the Forest Road towards Port Fitzroy. Turned off onto the South Fork Track. There had been a lot of rainfall when I went and I had to walk across the river about 7 times getting my boots nice and wet. So if you want to keep your feet dry do not go this way! The markers are a bit hard to find when you are walking in the river. Took about two hours as stated to get to Mt Heale Hut (I used to be pretty fast). Total time on the track walking about 6 hours. Great views at Mt Heale Hut. Propane burners provided but NO stove for heat. Nice new hut. On the second day walked down to the hot springs which were fab and then out to the road where I successfully hitch hiked back to the lodge. Great trip! Will do it again!
3. Medlands Beach
4. Mt Hobson via Windy Canyon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By kiwitreks - Masterton, New Zealand
Well worth the effort to see the amazing views. The tracks are very well done and built in steps make up a lot of the steeper parts. Some of these are narrow and a bit trickier to navigate coming down, may not be ideal for those with koi bad knees. Lots of opportunity for stunning photos. Recommend taking water and a backpack (potentially some snacks as well). Also going earlier or later in the day when it’s cooler as a large portion of the track is exposed with lower growing scrub so little to no shade.
5. Kaitoke Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By GaryandLesleyTravel - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Possibly one of easiest walks on the island, the path is suitable for strollers and with a push wheel chairs ~30 min’s from the Whangaparapara Road car park the hot springs offer a selection of natural shallow pools suitable for sitting in. Check out the depth and temperatures as these vary between pools. Get here early at busy times to see the pools at their best. There is a toilet at this location. Walking maps freely available at the airport.
