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Inside the bathhouse
View from the start of the path to the Kauri Dams
The bathhouse and outside shower/bath
Bathhouse and outdoor shower
The close picture was taken from the guest room window at the GBI house I was visiting. Mike took the picture of the pigeons in a tree while hiking (tramping) in nature on Great Barrier Island. These rare and indangered wood pigeons are called Kererus.The following web site has some better quality pictures of the Kereru and more information: http://www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz/Fauna/PigeonNZ.htm]
The local tourist information office is only open during the summer months, generally from around Christmas and staying open for approximately 3 months or so, depending largely on how busy the season is. You can get information on accommodation, where to rent a car, walks, wildlife and more. And you can buy a Great Barrier Island tee shirt too! Lots of great info, and friendly and helpful service. Just up the road from the wharf at Port Fitzroy, between the library and the general store.
The kayaking people in Tryphena are really friendly and fun. You can go out on your own or (as I did) go out in a double with the guide. I went with Jane, a cheery, chatty Canadian who is running the place and I really enjoyed it. I also hired a wetsuit and snorkel for a couple of days from them.
Also on the other side of the island if you go past Claris and keep on until you cross a small bridge there are kayaks for hire there too. You can go up the river towards the wetlands or down river and come out on Kaitoke beach. Nice way to pass an hour or so. You can hire it all on the Barrier.
The waters around the island are clean and clear and worth exploring. You will find crayfish hiding in the rocks, kina (a spiny sea urchin and Maori delicacy) and scallops - yum! Bring scuba and snorkel gear (unfortunately I don't think there is anywhere on the island that you can hire this sort of thing, so it is best to bring your own). There is a dive information station at Port Fitzroy, right by the wharf where you can hire dive tanks or get your own filled.
After a long hike (tramp) Mike and Dave made it to the top of a hill and took these pictures to share the amazing views overlooking the coast and lush green bush clad hills of Great Barrier Island.
Dave is pictured standing on Needle Rock, between Medlands Beach (in the back ground) and Tryphena town in the south of the Great Barrier Island. About 1000 ft ASL. And Mike is also pictured standing on Needle rock, but at a different angle, with Tryphena harbor in the background and the Cape Colville peninsular in the back ground.
View all Great Barrier Island hotels
View all Great Barrier Island hotels
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