Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
December to the end of January, as well as around Labour Weekend in late October and
on the Easter long weekend. Passengers only.
five days a week from Wynyard Wharf in Auckland to Tryphena's Shoal Bay (six hours).
Getting Around
Most roads are narrow and windy but even small hire cars can handle the unsealed sec-
tions. Many of the accommodation places will pick you up from the airport or wharf if
notified in advance.
(from $60), 4WDs (from $80) and vans (from $99). Rental clients can use Great Barrier
Travel trampers shuttles for free.
a somewhat battered fleet of cars starting at $40 and 4WDs from $70. They also operate
shuttle services from Claris to Tryphena ($20), Medlands ($15), Whangaparapara ($20)
and Port Fitzroy ($30, minimum four passengers), as well as trampers shuttles. There's a
$5 flagfall for solo passengers; call ahead to book.
shuttles between Tryphena and Claris (timed to meet all the planes and boats), a daily
shuttle from Claris to Port Fitzroy, and transfers to and from the walking tracks. Call
ahead to confirm times and to book.
WEST AUCKLAND
West Auckland epitomises rugged: wild black-sand beaches, bush-shrouded ranges, and
mullet-haired, black-T-shirt-wearing 'Westies'. The latter is just one of several stereo-
types of the area's denizens. Others include the back-to-nature hippie, the eccentric bo-
hemian artist and the dope-smoking surfer dude, all attracted to a simple life at the edge
of the bush.
Add to the mix Croatian immigrants, earning the fertile fields at the base of the
Waitakere Ranges the nickname 'Dallie Valley' after the Dalmatian coast where many
hailed from. These pioneering families planted grapes and made wine, founding one of
NZ's major industries.
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