Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Many other trails traverse the forest, taking between 30 minutes and five hours. The
Aotea Track
combines bits of other paths into a three-day walk, overnighting in each of the
huts.
See
Click here
for details of shuttle buses to and from the trailheads.
Sleeping
Unless you're camping, Great Barrier isn't a cheap place to stay. At pretty much every
price point you'll pay more than you would for a similar place elsewhere. In the off-seaon,
however, rates drop considerably.
Island Accommodation
( 09-429 0995;
www.islandaccommodation.co.nz
)
offers a booking service, which is handy for finding self-con-
tained houses for longer stays. Check accommodation and island information websites for
packages including flights and car rental. Note that accommodation rates soar for around
two weeks following Christmas and the island also gets very busy during this time.
Medlands Beach Backpackers
MAP
HOSTEL
$
( 09-429 0320;
www.medlandsbeach.com
; 9 Mason Rd; dm $35, d/units from $70/120)
Chill out in the
garden of this house on the hill, overlooking beautiful Medlands Beach. The backpackers'
area is simple, with a little double cabin for romantic budgeteers at a slight remove from
the rest. The self-contained houses sleep up to six.
Crossroads Lodge
MAP
( 09-429 0889;
www.xroadslodge.com
;
1 Blind Bay Rd; dm/s/d $30/50/75; )
This low-key back-
packers is 2km from the airfield and close to forest walks and hot springs. Mountain bikes
can be hired, and golf clubs can be borrowed to play on the nearby nine-hole golf course.
HOSTEL
$
Kaiaraara & Mt Heale Huts
(
www.doc.govt.nz
;
dm per adult/child $15/7.50)
These DOC huts in the Great Barrier Forest have
bunk beds, cold running water, chemical toilets and a kitchen/dining area. Bring your own
sleeping bag and cooking/eating equipment and book online. Mt Heale Hut sleeps 20
people and has a gas cooker, but Kaiaraara Hut (which sleeps 24) doesn't. Both must be
booked in advance.
HUT
$
DOC Campsites
CAMPSITE
$
