Go Great Barrier Island

Quality Group Tour and Excursion Packages 2015

2 3. Welcome Who we are… and what we do

4. The ‘Barrier’ A little bit about a very BIG Island

5. The Journey Getting to Great Barrier Island

6. The Accommodation Great Barrier Lodge…

On the shores of Whangaparapara

7. Paradise Found Our popular 3 day tour itinerary

8. Exploring Paradise Our leisurely 5 day tour itinerary

9. Booking and Pricing Information What’s included & available options

10. Testimonials and Contact Details What our clients are saying about us…

And how to reach us

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Welcome to the ‘Go Great Barrier Island’ group tours and excursions…

We are Great Barrier Islands’ group tour specialists and we’ve been busy putting together some great all inclusive tour packages.

Designed especially for groups of 15 or more, our highly popular itineraries ensure that everyone gets to experience Great Barrier Island at its very best.

With 25 years experience on this unique island paradise we really know our way around!

And providing quality 3 to 5 day tours and excursions for senior and larger travel groups is definitely our passion and our pleasure.

We’ve been getting together with Great Barrier Lodge and some great activity & attraction providers, to put together these fantastic all inclusive package options for groups of 15 or more.

All our multi day tours come complete with an interesting and informative commentary.

We explore the island at a leisurely pace, taking time to soak up the atmosphere, chat with the locals and gain an insight into life on Great Barrier Island, both past & present.

So… wind your watch back 30 years and come on over!

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Great Barrier Island is located 90 km’s north-east of Auckland on the outer edge of the Hauraki Gulf… next stop - South America!

At 285 square kilometres and nearly 45 kilometres long, Great Barrier Island is the 4th biggest landmass after Stewart Island, in New Zealands main chain of islands.

With beautiful white sand ocean beaches on the east coast and sheltered coves and bays on the west, the whole island lies spread to the sea from its dramatic mountain ranges and majestic Mount Hobson (Hirakimata), the islands highest point at 621 metres.

The population of around 800 permanent residents enjoys a lifestyle far removed from that of their city dwelling neighbours. With no electricity supply, no banking facilities, no supermarkets, footpaths, streetlights or public transport, they are a proudly independent and innovative community.

With over 70% under Dept. of Consevation management, more than 100 km’s of bushwalking paradise and some of the best fishing, surfing and dive spots in New Zealand, it’s no surprise that National Geographic Traveller magazine voted the Barrier 15th out of 99 of the world's great islands, coastlines and beaches for sustainability and authenticity.

Great Barrier Island truly is ‘A World of its Own’

Getting to Great Barrier Island is easy!

You can fly return from Auckland, North Shore, Tauranga or Whangarei.

If your group prefers to travel by sea, the Island Navigatior departs from Wynyard Wharf, downtown Auckland.

Why Not Fly One Way & Boat The Other?

Fly My Sky Airlines has up to four scheduled flights departing Auckland Domestic Terminal every day. The flights across the Hauraki Gulf are beautifully scenic and only take 30 minutes to reach Claris Airport where your bus and guide will be awaiting your arrival. Just let us know if you’d prefer to fly from somewhere else.

Sealink Ferries ‘Island Navigator’ is a vehicular, freight and passenger boat that sails between Auckland and Tryphena, Great Barrier Island; up to 5 times per week.

There are two lounges for reading, snoozing or a spot of quiet contemplation.

Bench seats run the length of the vessel above the vehicle deck, providing ample opportunities to see dolphins, whales and seabirds; and to enjoy the stunning scenery.

The 4.5 hour sailing is a great way to prepare for the change in pace that you’re about to experience.

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Your hosts, Erica and Archie are dedicated to making yor group’s stay a memorable one.

Erica is ‘world famous’ (on Great Barrier Island) for her cullinary skills. You’ll enjoy her great lodge style dinners, continental or cooked breakfasts, and she’ll supply us with delicious picnic style lunches to take on tour each day.

The Great Barrier Lodge restaurant & bar reflects the marine and timber milling heritage of Whangaparapara Harbour. The building is part of the original mill managers house overlooking the harbour and provides a delightful dining atmosphere.

Great Barrier Lodge is ideally located right on the shores of Whangaparapara Harbour on Great Barrier’s western coast.

Experience the peace and tranquillity of Great Barrier Island right at your accommodation. You’ll find yourselves surrounded by spectacular bushclad scenery and wide harbour views.

With accommodation options that include absolute waterfront suites, harbour view studios, and pioneer style cottages; your group will be very happy with their recently renovated Barrier lodgings.

Whangaparapara is situated on the west coast of the island between Okupu Harbour to the south and Port FitzRoy to the north.

It’s a sleepy little harbour, popular with the boating fraternity… and dolphins!

A wharf, a campground, Great Barrier Lodge and a population of around twenty...

That’s Whangaparapara - Beautiful and timeless.

Our Popular 3-Day Tour Itinerary - ‘Paradise Found’ Day One: We fly into Claris where we are met by Steve our driver-guide and head off to explore

the southern end of the island. We visit the Tryphena Wharf, Shoal Bay Pottery and have lunch at Tipi and Bobs’ Waterfront Lodge. We take a stroll along Medlands Beach and visit the famous ‘Milk, Honey & Grain Museum and the Community Arts Village’.

Then we’re off to our amazing accommodation - Take time to explore the lodges facilities, library, bar and lounge area before enjoying your lodge style dinner in the dining area.

Day Two: After breakfast this morning we wander down to the wharf where we board ‘Sundancer’ for our spectacular coastal cruise. We head up the west coast & through the spectacular Broken Isles and through the Man O’War Passage where we enjoy a scrumptious onboard lunch in the sheltered waters of the beautiful Port FitzRoy Harbour.

After lunch we disembark at the Glenfern Sanctuary where tour guides Emma & Scott give us an informative presentation regarding pest control and native plant and bird reintroduction. After the presentation talk the group will be transferred to Sunset Rock for an amazing panoramic view of Port Fitzroy Harbour and beyond.

Steve meets us here and we travel back down the east coast by bus enjoying great views of Rakitu Island, The Windy Canyon and Pacific Ocean Panoramas.

We stop for a cuppa-and-cake at Awana where we enjoy an optional walk along this spectacular east coast surf beach.

Day Three: Today, after breakfast we head off to the Hot Springs Track for a 10 minute bush-walk through a stunning Nikau grove, head over to Okupu Beach to check out the ancient Pohutukawa trees and then tour around to the ‘forgotten wharf’ at Blind Bay. We enjoy our picnic lunch on the shores of a privately owned beach before making our way back to ‘civilization’. We might even have time to take a complimentary ride on a Crazyhorse Trike or visit the stunning property of Great Barrier Islands’ biggest honey producers, ‘First Peak’. You’ll enjoy the presentation talk and the opportunity to buy a pot of delicious Manuka Honey for some sweet Barrier memories.

Sadly, it’s home time this afternoon…. but we leave you in the capable hands of Fly My Sky Airlines or Sealink Ferries.

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Our 5-Day Itinerary - ‘Exploring Paradise’ at a Leisurely Pace Day One: We meet and greet your group on arrival and transfer you out to your waterside accommodation at Great Barrier Lodge. Settle in and explore the beautiful surroundings.

Day Two: After breakfast this morning your group will wander down to the wharf to board ‘Sundancer’ for your coastal cruise to Port Fitzroy. Enjoy a great lunch on baord before Sundancer drops you at Glenfern Sanctuary’s private jetty. You’ll love the presentation talk followed by a quick 4wd van transfer to Sunset Rock for a panoramic view of the harbour and surrounding islands. We’ll be there to meet you and tour you back down the stunning east coast. We stop for a cuppa at Awana and enjoy an optional walk along Awana beach before continuing down the coast and back to the lodge.

Day Three: This morning we had off to the Kaitoke Hot Springs. This level bush walk meanders through stunning nikau glades, across arched bridges and along boardwalks to these totally undeveloped natural thermal pools. Bring your togs and towel or if you’d prefer, just soak your feet for a while. The walk takes around 40 minutes each way… You’ll be looking forward to an ice-cream stop at Claris before heading back to the lodge for lunch. The rest of the day is all yours…take a swim, relax with a glass of wine or just curl up with a good book… Your choice.

Day Four: Today we head south to Tryphena, through Gooseberry Flat & Mulberry Grove to Shoal Bay. We find a nice spot at Medlands Beach for our picnic lunch and then pay a visit to our great little museum and the arts village in Claris.

Day Five: After breakfast this morning we visit the ancient Pohutukawas at Beautiful Okupu Beach, take a look at the ‘forgotten wharf’ and have our lunch on the shores of a privately owned beach. Enjoy a complimentary Crazyhorse Trike ride and if our local honeymaker is around, we’ll visit the First Peak honey factory…. We’ll make sure we get you to your check-in on time and send you home with some great photos, great stories and great memories of Great Barrier Island.

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Pricing Information:

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‘Paradise Found’ 3 day tour package All on island transport, transfers & island tours and walks etc…

Glenfern Sanctuary experience (Presentation talk and Sunset Rock excursion) Sundancer coastal cruise from Port Fitzroy to Whangaparapara with on-board lunch provided.

Tea/coffee/biscuits/info sheet/map/booklet/Crazyhorse trike ride - weather permitting Free of charge for 1 group leader/tour guide $195 per person

‘Exploring Paradise’ 5 day tour package All on island transport, transfers & island tours and walks etc…

Return Flights from Auckland Glenfern Sanctuary experience (Presentation talk and Sunset Rock excursion) Sundancer coastal cruise from Port Fitzroy to Whangaparapara with on-board lunch provided.

Tea/coffee/biscuits/info sheet/map/booklet/Crazyhorse trike ride - weather permitting Free of charge for 1 group leader/tour guide $225 per person

‘Optional Add-ons’ If required we can include any of the components below into your group tour package: One -way or return flights One-way or return Sealink travel Lodge accommdation

Lodge provided picnic lunches Lodge provided breakfasts Lodge provided dinners

Testimonials: …. “Another successful trip and everyone happy. It’s always wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves.”

Barbara Mehrtens – Leisure Time Tours, Hamilton …. “I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and I thought your passion for the Barrier, your knowledge of the history and your ability to spin a good yarn, were all huge contributors to the success of the weekend.”

Jean Goodbrand – Sealink Travel …”As a first-time visitor to the island it was great for me to have your guidance and feel confident in your recommendations. It was a pleasure to spend the weekend in your company and to hear all your interesting stories…and to ride on your awesome trike!”

Jo Mackie - Tourism Auckland ….”Thanks again for another wonderful tour on behalf of our tour group. Everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly!

They found the delivery of your in-depth knowledge of the history and the characters that make up the diverse community living on the Island very entertaining and interesting”.

Andy Somerville – No8 Tours, Tauranga ….”The reports back from the excursion to Great Barrier Island were absolutely glowing!”

Sarah Farag – Southern Crossings ….”I think that was the most successful tour I have brought out to the Barrier. Loved the boat trip, that was magic… and the Glenfern Sanctuary visit with the brown teal and petrel chicks. Thanks again for everything.”

Ali Cockeram – Tranzit Tours, Masterton

Contact us: Go Great Barrier Island P.O.Box 29 Claris Great Barrier Island Auckland 0961 New Zealand

Freephone: 0800 997 222 Email: info@gogreatbarrierisland.co.nz Web: www.gogreatbarrierisland.co.nz Mobile: 022 354 8869

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