Tramping

Self-Guided Walks

Experience great walks in the wilderness of Great Barrier Island, from kauri dams to thermal springs. Most walking experiences on Great Barrier are of tramping track standard and require a reasonable level of fitness. All walks listed below are displayed on the walking map.

Either choose between a guided tour with Discover Great Barrier or Bush and Beach, or explore the many walking tracks at your leisure.

The walks on the island are amongst the best in New Zealand. There are more than 100 kilometres of well-maintained tracks offering spectacular sightseeing amid canyons, valleys, native forest, mountains and coastline. Some of the popular walks are listed below.

Old Lady Track

45 minutes: From the top of Port FitzRoy Hill is a short walk following a stream along the valley through a mature coastal forest. You can take a side trip, a steep sign-posted climb of 30-minutes to Lookout Rock, from where Port FitzRoy Harbour can be viewed. Beware of steep drop-offs.

Bridle Track

30 minutes: Alternative walk between DOC area office and Port FitzRoy Store. Easy grade through indigenous and exotic forest.

Warrens Track

30 minutes: Beginning by the Port FitzRoy DOC area office, this is a gently graded climb passing through a kauri plantation to a waterfall. From the waterfall return to the DOC office (60 minutes), or carry along the Bridle Track to Port FitzRoy. The stream has many deep pools that are good for swimming. Beware of steep drop-offs.

Pack Track and Witheys Track

2 - 3 hour loop: Starting from Whangaparapara, walk up the Tramline Track and above the remains of Whangaparapara Hut, turn left at the sign-post on to the Pack Track. The track rises up a ridge and down to Wairahi Stream, then carry on back to Whangaparapara along Witheys Track, which follows the stream.

National Track Standards

The tramping on Great Barrier Island is amongst the best in New Zealand. Over 100 kilometres of well-maintained tracks take the walker through a wonderland of canyons, valleys, native forest, mountains and coastline. Most walking experiences on Great Barrier are of tramping track standard and require a reasonable level of fitness.

Those going tramping are advised to contact the Department of Conservation.

There is an extensive network of tracks suitable for all ages on the island. Most are maintained by the Department of Conservation.

Department of Conservation contact details :
Telephone: +64 9 379 6476
Email: aucklandvc@doc.govt.nz
Web: www.doc.govt.nz

Discover Great Barrier - guided walks

Discover Great Barrier has the island's only licensed guides for the Department of Conservation's extensive network of spectacular walking tracks. Discover lush native forest, amazing ocean views, rugged mountains and more. Tours and guided walks can be made to suit your group size, fitness, budget and length of visit.