From Shoal Bay on Aotea Great Barrier Island, you can take Cape Barrier Road to the Whalers Lookout track. The road becomes narrow with gravel, and the last few hundred metres is recommended for 4WD only.
Follow the short track to Johnsons Bay from the parking area, then hike up onto Cape Barrier to the Lookout, about 15 minutes. The Cape used to have an observation post to look for whales coming through the Colville Channel. In the early 1960s, whale hunting ceased, and now it is just a bit of island history.
In winter and spring, you may get to spot migrating whales. Seals appear around the bay from time to time.
An alternative is to walk up to Ruahine Lookout, which takes about an hour. Dolphin Bay Track, Ross Track, and Island Bay Track can also be accessed from Cape Barrier Road.
