09 Jan 2022

Adventures on Great Barrier Island

Well-rested after a calm evening aboard Heritage Explorer on the still waters of Port Fitzroy we enjoyed a delicious breakfast before heading ashore to explore Great Barrier Island.

Those looking for something a little more energetic headed southwards along a coastal trail which rewarded with stunning views across Port Fitzroy from its more elevated sections. Guests opting for the gentler option headed inland passing beneath the Kanuka forest as Kaka fed in the branches above before arriving to a lovely stand of regenerating Kauri in the valley floor.

After lunch back on board our trusty expedition yacht, the next order of business was spending some time on and in the water around the islands beyond Port Fitzroy with options to kayak and snorkel.

Rounding off a busy day of exploration, we headed ashore late afternoon to Glenfern Sanctuary 'the greatest little sanctuary in the world' with walks beneath mature Pohutukawa and Puriri Forest. Dinner was enjoyed alfresco under a golden sunset aft of the main deck in the company of local author Tim Higham with conversations about life and conservation on Great Barrier Island.

Image © A.Russ, Heritage Expeditions