10 October 2026
Cloud increasing, and showers developing this evening. Northeasterlies.
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1 / 1Great Barrier Island/Aotea
Port FitzRoy: Cooper's Castle Track
Walk to a lookout with extensive views.
Distance
4.45 km
Walking time
2 hr 30 min - 3 hr one way
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Auckland forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 4:55 pm
11 October 2026
Showers, possibly heavy, easing to the odd light shower by midday. Scattered rain developing late evening. Northwesterlies.
12 October 2026
Showers becoming isolated in the morning but remaining cloudy. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
13 October 2026
Mostly cloudy with isolated showers developing in the morning. Northwesterlies.
14 October 2026
Partly cloudy with isolated showers. Northwesterlies.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Port FitzRoy: Cooper's Castle Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Port FitzRoy: Cooper's Castle Track
The track begins at the top of the Okiwi/Port FitzRoy Hill and ascends the southern ridge, under a forest canopy with views of both sides of the island. At a signposted junction reached after 2 hours, a 5 minute detour leads to a lookout, where a large volcanic-rock bluff gives extensive views of Okiwi Basin and the Whangapoua estuary. Take care at the lookout - there is an extremely steep drop off. The main track descends to Kaiaraara Track , then it's a short walk to the Lower Kauri Dam. Return the way you came, or continue on to stay at Mt Heale Hut .
Kauri protection guide
Clean your footwear, tyres and equipment before and after visiting our kauri forests. If you are walking your dog, you should also make sure you clean their paws. Use cleaning stations every time you pass one while you are walking in a park. Stay on the tracks and keep off kauri roots. Stay away from closed tracks. Don't remove soil from, or bring soil into, areas with kauri trees.
Getting there for Port FitzRoy: Cooper's Castle Track
Start from the top of Port FitzRoy/Okiwi Hill at Aotea Road. Use this location on Google Maps to help find your way there.
Helpful resources
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
Dog access for Port FitzRoy: Cooper's Castle Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Port FitzRoy: Cooper's Castle Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.