Picture of Walk Author: Sandra from Freewalks.nz
Walk Author: Sandra from Freewalks.nz

Sandra personally reviewed, documented, photographed and walked the Glenfern Loop Track on Great Barrier Island on 2 Jan 2023.

Fantastic little walk including an awesome lookout with views over Port Fitzroy plus a small detour to climb the giant kauri tree

From Port Fitzroy, take Aotea Rd walking past the one and only general shop. Then take the first left down Glenfern Rd. It’s about a 1km walk to the beginning of the track from the port. You’ll need to go through the Glenfern Sanctuary fence gate to enter.

Port Fitzroy Boat Club

You’ll find the yacht club opposite the turn off to Glenfern Rd. They were really busy when I popped my head in for a quick look. Lots of meals getting served up, lots of yachties craving lunch cooked for them for a change. There was a small coffee machine yet to be in service. As an Auckland coffee snob, I was kind of glad it wasn’t working ha ha!

Views from Sunset Rock lookout

It’s a bit of an uphill hike from the Glenfern Sanctuary office in Fitzroy House where the walk started. However, the views of Port Fitzroy along the way were very pleasant. 

Take the short detour out to Sunset Rock, the views are stunning from here. 

If you can’t be bothered walking up the hill I’m pretty sure there might be a guided tour from Fitzroy House in their van.

Visit the giant kauri tree lookout

After Sunset Rock the walk is very easy through a bit of regenerating bush then into unfarmed bush. The change in scenery is quite dramatic with enormous Puri trees and Kauri. Take the small detour to the kauri tree, you’ll be surprised to find a small suspension bridge to a step ladder going up to a tiny viewing platform right in the tree.

The walk is all downhill from here with quite a few steps along the way. You’ll pop out of the track just up from Fitzroy House.

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location:  Port Fitzroy, Great Barrier Island, North Island, New Zealand
  • Distance: 2.6 km full round trip from Port Fitzroy
  • Time needed: 1 hour including photo stops at the lookout and kauri tree
  • Difficulty: Easy except for the bit of a climb at the start of the walk
  • Wheelchair access: No
  • Route: Loop track
  • Elevation: 122m at its highest point
  • Wet Feet: No
  • Toilets: One toilet at Glenfern Sanctuary office
  • Dogs: Not allowed
  • Mobile Coverage: Yes on Vodafone and 2 Degrees, but nothing on Spark
  • Last Updated: 2 Jan 2023

Summary points about this walk

My photos of the Glenfern Loop Track at Fitzroy Bay

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