Description
Explore New Zealand’s world-famous Great Barrier Island, Auckland’s subtropical wonderland, conservation park and haven for endangered species on this 5-day expedition of “The Barrier” as it’s known to the locals.
The first island in the world to be granted Dark Sky Sanctuary status in 2017, Great Barrier Island is a tranquil oasis surrounded by lush bush, incredible walking tracks, crystal clear water, golden beaches and is proudly off-grid with no mains electricity. Its eastern shore faces the ocean featuring spectacular high cliffs and long white surf beaches, while its western side harbours deep sheltered coves and calm sandy bays perfect for exploring by Zodiac and kayak.
Located in the Hauraki Gulf, 1.2 million hectares of scenic glittering ocean between Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula and home to five marine reserves and more than 50 islands. Hauraki Gulf is a veritable aquatic wonderland and lays claim to having some of the country’s most beautiful beaches and hidden coves.
The union of three channels, Colville, Cradock and Jellicoe, connect Hauraki Gulf with the Pacific Ocean putting it on the ‘whale super highway’ with almost a third of the world’s marine mammal species living in or visiting the marine park with Orca, Bryde’s Whales and Bottlenose and Common Dolphins regularly observed here. Below the surface, numerous conservation efforts are underway to help restore the balance to the Gulf which is still recovering from industrialised overfishing and the impacts of the surrounding farming.
Experience conservation success stories in action and explore remote, forgotten island paradises by foot, kayak and our luxurious expedition yacht Heritage Explorer on Great Barrier Island Explorer.