Things to Do in Great Barrier Island

• Kaitoke Hot Springs
  A 4km walking track near the settlement of Whangaparapara leads to Great Barrier Island's natural hot springs, surrounded by bush.
• Beaches
  Great Barrier Island's lovely beaches include Medlands, with its sweeping stretch of sand, Kaitoke Bay and Harataonga. Whangapoua is ideal for surfing with a good right-hand break, while Awana offers both left and right-hand breaks. For sheltered swimming, try one of Tryphena's many tree-lined bays.
• Walks
  Great Barrier Forest is New Zealand's largest stand of possum-free bush - many of the tracks follow the routes of old mining tramways. The most dramatic short walk is to Windy Canyon (reached from the Port Fitzroy-Harataonga Road), where a narrow path winds through ferns and nikau palms to a viewpoint with stunning coastal and interior views. A further three hour's walk takes you to the Great Barrier Island's highest point, Hirakimata (Mount Hobson). The summit (621m) affords panoramic views across to the Coromandel and Auckland on a clear day. A track information leaflet is available from the DOC office at Port Fitzroy.
• Mountain biking
  Great Barrier Island is popular for mountain biking. The ride from Tryphena to Whangaparapara is a good one, offering stops en route at Medlands Beach and the hot springs.
• Diving and Snorkelling
  Great Barrier Island's varied diving options include shipwreck and pinnacle dives, and there are plenty of fish to be spotted snorkelling. Visibility ranges up to 30m - the best time for diving is between February and April. There are no scuba operators on the island so bring your own gear (tank filling facilities are available). Snorkelling gear can be hired.
• Kayaking
  Kayaking is an ideal way to explore the Great Barrier Island's beautiful coastline. Several operators offer coastal excursions, including an evening twilight paddle to the Colville Channel. Some accommodation lodges also rent out kayaks.
• Kauri Dams
  Port Fitzroy is a good base for hikes to some of the island's impressive kauri dams. During the early 1920s, Kauri logs were cut and rolled into the reservoirs, raising the water level behind the dams. When the dams were tripped, a torrent of water and logs rushed down to Kairara Bay. The logs were lashed together and floated to Auckland.