Aotea Track | Great Barrier Island

27-29* December 2020 | 3days/2night tramping | 25KM |

Fee: $275 includes flights, shuttles & huts with Go Great Barrier

*Fly in day 1, fly out day 3

Informatipn from: Go Great Barrier: https://www.greatbarrierislandtourism.co.nz/packages/the-aotea-track/

The 25km Aotea Track loops the central mountainous area of Great Barrier Island and is a manageable 3 day circuit for reasonably fit beginner or experienced trampers. The track offers a combination of easy walking trails, steep climbs, stairways and bridges. You will travel over a range of spectacular landscapes... streams with beautiful native bush, tranquil wetlands and forests of kauri, rimu, kahikatea and more. Discover the historical remains of the early Kauri industry... and the kauri tramline track remnants.

Two well positioned huts allow for manageable walks of 3 to 4 hours over the 3 days.

Mt. Heale Hut was opened in 2012 and provides spectacular views over the Hauraki Gulf & Hauturu/Little Barrier Island. Located on a central ridge, 30 minutes from Hirakimata/Mt Hobson (Great Barrier Islands highest point 621m). This 20-bed hut has excellent sleeping and gas cooking facilities. Kaiaraara Hut is near sea level on the western side of the island. This is a 24 bed hut with a wood burner. It is situated near the Kaiaraara stream beside the Forest Road.

What to expect:

To walk 25 to 30 km carrying your pack

Some fairly steep climbs

Lots of steps and stairways

Hot sun and high UV

Rain and colder temperatures

Possible slippery conditions

Spectacular panoramas

Stunning bush, mountain and stream views

What to bring (a more comprehensive list will be sent out via e-mail)

- Tramping pack with rain cover (Marose carries a 65L one)

- Clothing for hot, wet & cold weather (no cotton please)

- Water & wind proofed jacket

- Food - 2 dinners, 2 breakfast, 2 lunches + high energy snacks

- Cooking & eating utensils (e.g. hiking stove + pots etc - can share between 2 people)

Note: fuel canister can't be brought on the plane so we'll just but them when we land)

- First aid kit including personal medicines

- Sunscreen, hat, sunnies

- Insect repellant (very important)

- Torch with spare batteries ~ light

- Tramping boots (need to be broken in if new)

- Sleeping bag

- Drink bottle or bladder

- Personal toiletries (no showers, only sinks & long-drops available)

What's Included:

Return flights from Auckland Airport

Transfers to and from the Aotea Walk

Hut booking fees

Aotea Track map & info book

Optional before and after photo 🙂

More information:

Wilderness Magazine: https://www.wildernessmag.co.nz/trip/ante-track-great-barrier-island/

DOC: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/auckland/places/great-barrier-island-aotea/things-to-do/tracks/aotea-track/