Sunday 9 March. We arrive at Claris Airport mid-morning and meet our driver and host, Leigh. We visit the Community Arts Village, where a local resident shares the island’s history and life. Next, we stroll Medlands Beach and enjoy a picnic in the reserve. Afterward, we visit the Island Gin Distillery, meet the distillers, and sample their delicous gins. 

After lunch, we make our way to Sunset Waterfront Lodge where we check into our accommodation. This lodge sits on park like grounds beside beautiful Mulberry Grove Beach. Enjoy your time back at the lodge before we dine at a local restaurant for dinner.

(Lunch, Dinner)

Monday 10 March. After breakfast we depart for Whangaparapara Wharf to board our boat for our coastal cruise. We look at the old Kauri Sawmill and Whaling Station sites before heading up the west coast & through the spectacular Broken Isles. Once through the Man O’ War Passage we enjoy a scrumptious on board lunch in the sheltered waters of the beautiful Port Fitzroy Harbour. 

After lunch, we disembark and make our way to Glenfern Sanctuary where we enjoy an informative presentation about the sanctuary which is home to kaka parrots, wood pigeons and banded rail to name a few. After a presentation, we visit Sunset Rock for an amazing panoramic view of Port Fitzroy Harbour and beyond. Tonight we dine at a local restaurant for dinner. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Tuesday 11 March. Today we prepare to make our way out for more island exploring. First we visit enthusiast bee farmer Jacque. Jacque is passionate about bees and the natural environment and after a guided tour of his amazing property we sample some of his delicious manuka honey. 

We then make our way to lunch at My Fat Puku and afterwards, our local driver takes us on a tiki-tour around some of the island. This includes a short bush walk into the stunning Nikau Palm Grove to view the robust and vigorous form of Nikau that grows on Great Barrier. It is here that the more active travellers can continue on the track to the Kaitoke Hot Springs. And for those who choose not to walk, then you’ll continue on your tiki-tour where you will end back up at the motel to spend the afternoon at your leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Sunday 12 March. Today, we visit Gerald at O’kiwi Passion. Gerald and his team work hard to provide local, ecological, and organic produce for Aotea. The afternoon is then yours enjoy the lodge and surroundings... maybe a swim? If you’d like to visit somewhere specific, speak to your Tour Manager, who can arrange this for you. 

If anyone is keen for a fish then we have a fisherman on standby (additional $200pp) and whatever you catch, the cafe next door will cook for dinner!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Monday 13 March. Today, we pack our bags and depart the lodge, heading toward home. Before arriving at the airport, we visit Okupu Harbour to see the ancient Pohutukawa trees, then take a scenic tour to the ‘forgotten wharf’ at Blind Bay, passing old stone bridges and deep gullied streams. After exploring the area, we return to Claris and check in for our flights home. 

Breakfast.