Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHAT TO BRING
There is no reticulated water on the island, but freshwater is available from various sites.
While most water is considered safe to drink, the parasite giardia may be present. All water
should be boiled or treated before drinking. Fires are not permitted at any campsites, so
bring a stove if you plan to camp.
There's also no mains power on the island and no streetlights, so bring a torch (flash-
light). Food is available, but it is more expensive than on the mainland and shop hours are
limited, so it's wise to bring all supplies from Auckland.
MAPS & BROCHURES
NZTopo50 map AY34 (Claris) covers this tramp, as does NewTopo Aotea Great Barrier
1:90,000. DOC's Aotea Track and Great Barrier Island brochures are also helpful.
HUTS & CAMPING
There are two Serviced huts ( www.doc.govt.nz; $15) on Great Barrier Island, one of which is
the new Mt Heale Hut that has gas cookers; the other, Kaiaraara, has a wood stove. Back-
country hut passes and tickets are not valid in these two huts. There are also five Scenic
campsites ( www.doc.govt.nz; $10) .
Huts and campsites should be booked online before you head out to the island, particu-
larly in December and January, as camping is not allowed outside of designated camping
grounds, and the number of campers at each site is also restricted. If the huts and camping
grounds are full, you may have no alternative but to return to the mainland.
INFORMATION SOURCES
For information before you set off from the mainland, call in at DOC Auckland Information
Centre ( Click here ) . On the island, there is a small information counter at the airport that is
attended during the high season. You can pick up leaflets and brochures about the track from
here and DOC Great Barrier Field Centre ( 09-429 0044; www.doc.govt.nz; Port Fitzroy;
8am-4.30pm Mon-Fri) , which is a 20-minute walk south of the ferry landing. Call in for bro-
chures, maps and weather information, and to sign the intentions book for longer walks.
8 Getting to/from the Tramp
This loop track begins and ends on the Kaitoke Hot Springs Track on Whangaparapara Rd,
4km west of Claris. Great Barrier Travel ( 09-429 0474; www.greatbarriertravel.co.nz ) offers
airport and accommodation transfers and can hook you up with shuttle services and rental
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