Great Barrier Island Easter 2026

GREAT BARRIER BOOMER

Great Barrier Island Easter 3-6 Apr

Friday

The 5.30am meeting time was an early start but everyone being on time was a great start for our trip We left the backyard of 10 Bracken Ave full of cars as we travelled by Taxi Van to board to the Sealink Terminal in the Wynyard Quarter. All 23 boarded the ferry for the 4.5hr trip to Aotea-Great Barrier and it was good to enjoy a breakfast muffin and coffee on board as we watched a pod of dolphins ride the bow-wave of the boat. Our three rental vehicles were waiting beside the wharf at Tryphena and so the great shuttle began - half the group and all the luggage headed off for the one hour drive along narrow twisting roads to the Orama Lodge at Karaka Bay - then returned for the group that had walked along the coastline from Mulberry Grove to Gooseberry Flat and back (and enjoyed the café store). Our accommodation at Orama was great and the Good Friday sunset was a spectacular reminder of God's glorious creation and his love for the world at Easter - even if it disrupted our dining as we photographed the colorful display. Murray shared some thoughts about the symbolism incorporated into the Easter season and talked about the donkey symbolising God's peace in chaos and a return to a "new creation" harmony.

PACK CARRY OPTION

Saturday

The nine trampers (Murray, Justin, Diana, Tina, Bryan, Lesley, Jeff, Linda, Steven) we dropped off at 9am at the start of Palmers Track for their tramp to the summit of Mt Hobson (624m). It is reported that there are 2000 steps! There was light rain as the track climbed steadily upwards but there were enough clear spells at the top to offer panoramic views of Tryphena Harbour to the west and the long sandy beaches on the east coast. It wasn't far to the Mt Heale Hut where we enjoyed a well earned lunch break before setting off on the South Fork Track for a more gentle downhill tramp to the Kaiaraara Hut. After we crossed the stream we reflected on some of the "majestic trees" that could be used to rejoice before God - like the palm fronds on Palm Sunday recognised the symbolism as the created world was being used to pay homage to its Creator and we recognise God's love and care as Jesus headed to the cross. We chose Kauri, Rimu, Lancewood, Tanekaha and Kanuka from the trees around us to add to our rejoicing.
We were the first group to arrive (2.30pm) at the hut so had the pick of the bunks which soon filled up to capacity (28). There was time for some to have a refreshing swim in 'Jeff's Pool' in the Kaiarara Stream, followed by a tasty Honey-Soy flavored dehydrated dinner as different Hut groups rotated around the kitchen table.

Sunday

Daylight saving didn't stop us rising early and soon after 8am we were heading down Forest Road on our second day's tramp. The road passed through a lot of regenerating Kauri and we all appreciated the short side track to view two giant 'magestic' kauri trees. At our next snack stop Bryan shared some of Easter eggs to remind us it was Easter Sunday. It wasn't long before we turned on the Tramline Track - a much narrower path with some tree falls to climb over and a few streams to cross before reaching the Kaitoki Hot Springs Track. The picnic table beside the pools in the stream was an ideal site for our lunch break and there was plenty of time for Justin and Murray to enjoy a relaxing soak in the thermal water.
We reached the Waiparapara Road in good time by 2.30pm and were glad there was enough reception to advise the drivers back at Orama to come early. Despite the sheep on the road delaying their travel we were soon back at the lodge and feeling clean and refreshed after a shower and a cup of tea!! The generator cut off was no problem as we appreciated an early night after a delicious dinner and desert from our amazing chefs. Murray shared his final Easter symbol, discussing the way everyday food at the last supper that we now use in communion services not only reminds us of Jesus love for the world but also his provision through creation that connects us back to the author of life.

Monday

With our last breakfast at Orama over, the first shuttle of our group headed back to Tryphena at 8.30am where they enjoyed the short coastal walk to the Mulberry Grove Cafe. The final trip left Orama just before 11am, dropped all the gear at the wharf, filled the cars up with petrol (@$4.14 per litre!) and shuttled our group to the wharf. The return trip was smooth but showers of rain forced most people inside - by 6.30pm we were all glad to step back onto land and wait while the drivers were shuttled back to Bracken Ave to empty the yard of parked cars and ensure everyone was home safely.

DAY WALKERS

The fourteen day-walkers (Barbara L, Cathie, Jenny, Sonia, Jocelyn, Cheng, Barbara S, Sophie, Kim, Rosemary, Peter, Alli, Sunny, Lucy) who stayed at Orama over the entire weekend enjoyed an interesting and at times challenging programme of their own while the pack-carry trampers were on the Aotea Track.

Saturday

After drivers dropped off the overnight trampers, we travelled in our 3 vehicles to Okiwi, where we followed the Okiwi Park concrete path on a circuit behind the Okiwi School.
We noted planting of natives, green open spaces and picnic tables along the way. The path led us into a bush area with lovely palms and larger trees. Also with opening wooden display boards with children's artwork of native birds and plants. We read the descriptions which accompanied their pictures expressing their interest in nature. Just 30 minutes later we were back at the cars and heading for Windy Canyon track.

A gravel track soon led to multiple uphill staircases through the vertical tunnel-like rocks and alongside more rocky hillsides. The sunshine highlighted the views to Whangapoua Bay and Okiwi settlement area with green spaces far below. Also rugged hill views south. We continued the stepped track which led over a number of peaks and down through small valleys.
A particularly rocky portion of the track proved challenging, and having eaten lunch at the top, we decided we had gone far enough to return back, and through the Canyon to the cars. A short trip into Port Fitzroy enabled us to top up fuel (at $4.35/litre!), buy ice-creams and return to Orama.

Sunday

We attempted a short walk to Barbecue Bay (north of the camp). The ascending 4WD track to the junction was muddy and slippery. At the junction 4 decided to go on down to the bay, reporting a continuing muddy steep track, proving longer than the 15min time given. We all returned to clean our muddy boots in time for the 10am Camp Sunday Service with communion, led by camp hosts Trina and Dean. A peaceful, renewing service concluded with a testimony from a resident whose wayward life has been impacted and turned around by living in this community.

Later we tried walking the 4WD track on the south of camp, which led up a hill to a predator proof fence. Our map showed a track named Glenfern Loop, but once inside the fence, it led back down to the beach! A pleasant spot for lunch! Some climbed the hill again but the loop track was not obvious and they returned. The rest of us walked back round the rocks, along the beach, an easy walk back to camp.

Monday

A group of us travelled first to Tryphena and walked a scenic coastal track from Stonewall Village, past Gooseberry Flats to Mulberry Grove. There we enjoyed a café lunch while we waited for the second group to travel from Orama to Tryphena, ready to board the ferry ready for 2pm sailing. Arrival in Auckland 6.30pm.