Great Barrier Island: Walking the Aotea Track and DOC huts

Great Barrier Island is Auckland's off grid island paradise - no central power grid, no mobile phone coverage, no worries for three days on the Aotea Track.
Taking a tiny Norman Islander plane with Fly My Sky, Great Barrier Island is only half an hour from Auckland Airport. Or a four-hour transfer on the car ferry. However, New Zealand's off-the-grid dark sky sanctuary feels like it's much further removed in the south Pacific. Especially on a sunny sub-tropical day.
While most travellers visit for the solar-powered beach houses and surf beaches, there's another reason to visit and get off- the beaten track.
The Aotea Track is a multi-day walk. Starting from Whangaparapara on the west coast, it climbs to the top of Mount Hobson at 627metres, the highest point on the island. The 25k track can be done in two days or a more leisurely three, stopping at the Kaiaraara and Mt Heale DOC huts. Well appointed and supplied with gas burners and bunk beds, make sure to book ahead.
It also pays to bring your supplies with you. Groceries are limited on the island, and noticeably more expensive than on the 'mainland'. Bring enough cans, and dried food, snacks and water for the three days. Having finished the track, in Whangaparapara you might want to celebrate with a meal out.
Great Barrier Lodge is a restaurant, hotel and general store. There's also the option to grab a pukka cup of coffee at the My Fat Puku cafe in Claris, Mulberry Grove Store or a celebratory pint at the Currach Irish Pub in Tryphena as you wait for the ferry back to Auckland.
Great Barrier is an off-grid experience. Remember to tell someone of your plans as phone signal is limited.
Subscribe to NZH Travel: bit.ly/2jHYDGv
Like NZH Travel on Facebook: bit.ly/2I0cYg4
Follow NZH Travel on Instagram: bit.ly/2I0LRBH
WHAT TO EXPECT
10 - 25 km walk
carry supplies in a pack
steep climbs
many STEPS and stairways
high UV and direct sun
rain and colder temperatures
slippery tracks and some stream crossings
WHAT TO BRING
good walking boots
sunscreen
jacket / rain cover and dry bags
clothing options for hot, wet and cold weather
sleeping bag
full 2 litre drink bottle per day
first aid kit
food plus some extra for between meals
cooking and eating utensils
head torch and batteries
For more details visit:
www.doc.govt.n...

[@kuruvillageorge1735]

Wow amazing...

[@NZHTravel]

Thanks for watching. 😊

[@llliiimmmeee]

My family has a batch here, I can tell you anything you need to know!

[@NZHTravel]

Lucky you. Aotea is a special place.