Great Barrier Escape - 8 Days
Day 1
Leave Bayswater Marina 1000 Sail to Kawau Island with a stop at Tiritiri Matangi Island for walk and/or swim. Sail on to Bon Accord Harbour and anchor in Mansion House Bay or one of the bays on the other side depending on the wind direction. Take an evening stroll round to Lady Bay and up to the lookout on the top of the island. Return via Two House Bay.

Day 2
Kawau Island to Port Fitzroy, Great Barrier Island Up with the sparrows this morning and all hands on deck for the 30 mile cruise across the Gulf to Great Barrier Island. This is New Zealand's largest offshore Island covering some 28,000 ha. Innumerable activities await you at the Island including diving, fishing, snorkelling, walking and tramping, or just enjoy some "time-out". There are three harbours to visit on the Island, all providing good sheltered anchorages in numerous bays. Port Fitzroy is the main port of call and is nearly landlocked by Kaikoura Island. The scenery will enthral you as you near the island and, as you enter into the harbour, a wonderful waterland will open up to you. Port Fitzroy itself offers sheltered anchorage for the night and a perfect start to your Great Barrier adventure.

Day 3
Port Fitzroy: fishing, diving, swimming, walks etc After a good night`s sleep you are ready to venture ashore and stretch the legs. Visit the local shop for an ice cream and pick up some information on the Island`s walks. The Department of Conservation administers much of the forestland covering the Island and has developed many walks in the area. Spend part of the day exploring the inner waterways and anchorages. Stop over at Smokehouse Bay. Here you can get down to some real pioneering. Light the fire, heat the water, fill the old bath and enjoy a soak; smoke the fish or do the washing!! A great place to meet fellow cruisers and exchange stories.

Day 4 Port Fitzroy:
Today is the day that you ensure your anchor is well dug in for you are in for some exercise with a visit to one of the famous Kauri Dams on the Island. Venture around to Kaiarara Bay and find a spot to anchor. You will find a good entry to the walk, which will take approx 2 hours return, at the head of the Bay. This area was the site of extensive timber milling in the early 1920's. The track continues to the top of Mount Hobson with extensive views over the Island. Spoil yourselves tonight after such gruelling exercise, and book in for a meal at the guesthouse above the jetty just inside the Bay.

Day 5
Sail to Whangaparapara: Time to head down the coast and visit Whangaparapara Harbour. Depart through Man O'War Passage, and navigate your way through the beautiful waters of the outer Islands. Take in the scenery but keep an eye on your chart. Whangaparapara Harbour is a splendid fiord-like bay, surrounded by high hills and old world charm. There are bush walks and a hotel for meals.

Day 6
Sail to Waiheke Island Up with the birds again this morning to sail the 35 miles to the eastern end of Waiheke and anchor in Man O%u2019 War Bay. Alternatively spend another day at Great Barrier and visit Tryphena Harbour, not so good in a south westerly, but very sheltered in a north easterly.

Day 7
Visit Stony Batter and sail closer to Auckland In the morning walk up to Stony Batter, a series of gun emplacements and tunnels built during the Second World War. In the afternoon sail to Motuihe Island or Islington Bay which is handy for your return to Bayswater.

Day 8
Return to Bayswater Marina

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