How fit are you?

Friday: Your group checks in at ‘Fly my Sky’, Auckland Domestic Terminal at 10.00 am for your 10.30 take off. A beautiful 30-minute scenic flight across the Hauraki Gulf sees you landing at Claris Airfield around 11.00am

You’ll be met and welcomed by your personal driver/guide for the weekend and transferred to your accommodation for check in. Great Barrier Lodge sits right on the harbours edge in Whangaparapara where you’ll enjoy a cold drink and a hot meal after each days hike.

After check-in we hit the road and tour up through the island to the beginning of todays trail at the spectacular Windy Canyon. 2 hours beyond this point sits the summit of Hirakimata or Mount Hobson, our highest peak at 621 metres.

After lunch on the summit you’ll continue down to the Kaitoke hot springs for a well-earned spa in these totally natural hot pools. 40 minutes level walking from here you’ll team up with your driver again and return to your lodge.

The total track time for this hike, including 20 minutes for lunch and 20 minutes for the hot springs is between 5 and 6 hours.

Saturday: After breakfast we head north once again through to Port FitzRoy where todays trail begins. The Forest Road was built in the early 1950s as an emergency service vehicle road but is now closed to public vehicles. This route is enjoyed by trampers and mountain bikers alike as it weaves through some fine examples of regenerating coastal forest.

Find a nice spot on the way to enjoy your packed lunch.

At the tramline track junction your party turns from the forest Road and continues down to your accommodation at the lodge.

Once again the track time for this walk is between 5 and 6 hours.

Sunday: After breakfast this morning your driver will transfer you to Claris to pick up your hire car. You’ll be able to explore the rest of the island at your leisure. Check out the Mermaid Pool, Medlands beach, and Tryphena.

The local museum at Claris is worth a look, as is the local art gallery and Shoal Bay Pottery in Tryphena.

Leave your car at Claris Airfield when you check-in at 4.30 for your 5.00 pm departure with ‘Fly My Sky’

Do these hikes sound a bit extreme? We have alternatives for the less adventurous.

NOTE: THIS 3 DAY PACKAGE IS ALSO AVAILABLE MID-WEEK