Auckland - New Zealand - page 112

Of a similar length, but flatter and easier walking, is the 11km Harataonga Coastal
Walk (five hours) which heads from Harataonga Bay to Whangapoua.
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-
contained houses for longer stays. Check accommodation and island information web-
sites 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 HOSTEL $
OFFLINE MAP
( 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 HOSTEL $
OFFLINE MAP
( 09-429 0889; www.xroadslodge.com ; 1 Blind Bay Rd; dm/s/d $30/50/75; ) This low-
key backpackers 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.
Kaiaraara & Mt Heale Huts HUT $
OFFLINE MAP
( 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