Access to Whangaparapara on Aotea Great Barrier Island is from Whangaparapara Road, with the turnoff just beyond Blind Bay Road. Along the road are several points of interest, starting with access to the Kaitoke Hot Springs Track just before the seal ends. Then there’s the remains of a stamping battery (yes, there was gold mining at one time) and one end of the Te Ahumata Track to Blind Bay Road.
The harbour is pretty, and there is a lovely short walk just past the wharf. Heading back away from the wharf, there is access to several tracks, including the multi-day Aotea Track via the Tramline Track. In this instance, we walked back along the northwest side of the harbour to the Green Campground (walk-in only on the Old Mill Track) and towards the remains of a kauri logging mill and whaling station. Note the track gets quite rough after the campground.
Shortly before the wharf, you will find a good restaurant at Great Barrier Lodge.
