Aotea Track

Time: 4 hr From Whangaparapara Road, the Kaitoke Hot Springs Track starts flat and easy, tracing an ancient shoreline. Boardwalks lead through the unique Kaitoke Wetlands—keep an ear out for fernbirds or spotless crakes, and an eye out for orchids and sundews near the track edge. The hot pools are a welcome stop, but test the water first—it can be very hot in places. After a short steep climb and descent, the track joins Tramline Track North, where relics of early logging days remain. Turn left onto Peach Tree Track and climb steadily through regenerating forest to Mt Heale Hut. On clear evenings, sunsets over Hauturu/Little Barrier Island make the journey especially rewarding. Side trip: Maunga Hirakimatā / Mt Hobson summit Time: 5 min return Consider a side trip to the summit of Maunga Hirakimatā / Mt Hobson for sweeping 360° views across the island. On a clear day, you may even spot Hauturu/Little Barrier Island to the west—a predator-free nature reserve. Maunga Hirakimatā is a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare and endemic species including kākā, kākāriki, miromiro/tomtit, tāiko/black petrel, and the recently reintroduced pītoitoi/North Island robin. You’ll also see unique native plants like the Great Barrier tree daisy and tiny sundews. Wooden steps near the summit help protect sensitive ecosystems and black petrel nesting sites. At the top, a flat timber platform offers the perfect vantage point for photos and views—just take care near the edges, as there are no handrails.

Time: 2 hr As the Kaiaraara Track is partially closed, you'll need to take the South Fork Track from the hut to get to Kaiaraara Hut. The track is mainly downhill, with a swing bridge, and some unbridged but well marked stream crossings. If the streams are impassable due to substantial rainfall, return to Mt Heale Hut.

Time: 5 hr The final day is an easy-grade walk with no major climbs, following Forest Road through beautiful bush and offering mountain and coastal views. Highlights include Maungapiko Lookout, the Kauri Tree Route—a short loop through a stand of impressive kauri—and sweeping vistas of western bays. From Forest Road, continue along the historic Tramline Track North and then take the Kaitoke Hot Springs Track back to where you started at Whangaparapara Road.

There are two huts on the walk, Mt Heale and Kaiaraara, both of which need to be booked in advance. Mt Heale Hut has 20 beds in two rooms. It also has two toilets, gas cooking facilities, a water supply (stored roof water - boil before use) and two deck areas, where you can enjoy excellent views of the Hauraki Gulf, Little Barrier Island (Hauturu) and the summit peaks on Great Barrier Island. Kaiaraara Hut has 28 beds in two rooms. It also has a wood stove, gas cooking facilities, 1 toilet and cold running water. We recommend boiling the water.

Great Barrier can be reached by boat or plane. Two airlines (Barrier Air and Fly My Sky) link Auckland’s Māngere domestic airport to Claris airfield on the island daily. Sealink offers a passenger and car ferry service three to four times a week according to season. Passenger bus and rental car services are available. Entrances to the Aotea Track can be accessed by road.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel

No dogs.