Tuesday 1 December. We arrive at Claris Airport mid-morning, where we are met by our driver and lodge host, Leigh. Our first stop is the Community Arts Village, followed by the Milk, Honey & Grain Museum, which tells the story of Great Barrier Island’s early settlers.

Next, we take a stroll along beautiful Medlands Beach before visiting Aotea Brewing to sample the local beer. We’ll enjoy lunch from the onsite catering food truck, with the option of a hot drink afterwards from the local coffee roastery.

In the afternoon, we check into our accommodation at Sunset Waterfront Lodge, set on park-like grounds beside the stunning Mulberry Grove Beach.

(Lunch, Dinner)

Wednesday 2 December. With spring in the air, today is all about appreciating the hospitality of the locals. We visit a selection of private homes, where passionate homeowners warmly welcome us into their gardens to share their unique flora, fauna, and island living. You don’t need to be a keen gardener to enjoy the open spaces and local pride on display.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Thursday 3 December. After breakfast, we head to Whangaparapara Wharf to board our boat for a coastal cruise. We pass historic sites, including the old Kauri Sawmill and Whaling Station, before heading up the west coast and weaving through the spectacular Broken Isles.

Navigating through Man O’War Passage, we enjoy a scrumptious onboard lunch while anchored in the sheltered waters of Port Fitzroy Harbour.

After lunch, we disembark for a visit to Glenfern Sanctuary, where we learn about its conservation work protecting native birds such as the kaka parrot, wood pigeon, and banded rail. A walk to Sunset Rock rewards us with breathtaking panoramic views over Port Fitzroy Harbour and beyond.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Friday 4 December. Today, we continue our island exploration. First, we visit passionate bee farmer Jacque, who gives us a guided tour of his property and shares his deep knowledge of bees and the natural environment. We also get to sample some of his mānuka honey.

Following this, our local driver takes us on a relaxed tiki-tour of the island.This includes a short bush walk into the stunning Nīkau Palm Grove to see the island’s robust and vibrant Nīkau palms. For the more active among us, there’s the option to continue on the track to the Kaitoke Hot Springs.

Those who prefer a more relaxed pace can continue the tiki-tour to explore the Okupu Harbour area, including ancient pōhutukawa trees and the ‘forgotten wharf’ at Blind Bay, with its charming stone bridges and deep streams.

We then return to the lodge for a relaxing afternoon, perhaps enjoying the antics of the busy kaka birds nearby.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Saturday 5 December. Today we pack our bags and depart the lodge, beginning our journey home. Before heading to the airport, we visit Okupu Harbour to see the ancient pōhutukawa trees, some of the oldest on the island. We then take a scenic drive to the ‘forgotten wharf’ at Blind Bay, passing old stone bridges and deep gullied streams along the way.

After exploring the area, we return to Claris and check in for our flights home.

We hope you have enjoyed your time on Great Barrier Island and leave with a deeper appreciation for the people, the landscape, and the wonderfully rustic nature of the island. Thank you for travelling with Seemore Tours, where you Seemore, Do More, and Have More Fun!

Breakfast.