The Sheltered Harbour of Port Fitzroy
Located on the western side of Aotea Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf of Auckland, Port Fitzroy is a quiet harbour known for its calm waters, walking tracks, and access to conservation areas. It’s around a 90-minute drive from Tryphena and is a useful stop for exploring the island’s northwestern corner by road or boat.
Calm Waters and Harbour Scenery
Port Fitzroy is one of Aotea’s largest natural harbours, with steep, forested hills rising from the inlets and bays. The water is typically calm and well-sheltered, making it suitable for kayaking, mooring, or boat-based travel around the island’s west coast. Dense native bush surrounds the inlet, with pōhutukawa lining the shore and birdlife common in the surrounding trees.
The harbour provides a contrast to the open east coast surf beaches, with a more contained and quiet setting.
Short Tracks and Access to Forest Routes
Just before reaching the harbour, a short side trip on Gelnfern Road leads to the Old Lady Track and to Glenfern Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a fenced ecological reserve with a 30-minute loop track. Native bird species such as tīeke, kākā, and kererū are often seen in the area.
The Old Lady Walk starts just before the sanctuary entrance and is a 1.2 km loop. It runs through regenerating forest and climbs about 120 metres to the top of a hill overlooking the harbour, with spectacular views. There is a good chance you will see native birds overflowing from the sanctuary along this track.
Continuing along the road beyond the wharf, the Akapoua Bay Campsite provides access to the Warrens Creek Track. This follows the creek to a waterfall, then loops back to the road. From here, hikers and bikers can also access Forest Road, which takes you to a ridgeline track that connects with the Aotea Track, the island’s main tramping route via Hirakimata / Mount Hobson.
Historical Context
Port Fitzroy’s European name derives from Robert FitzRoy, an early governor of New Zealand. In the 1800s, the area supported kauri milling, boatbuilding, and small-scale shipping. Today, it's mainly a destination for summer holidaymakers and boaties, when it becomes a hub for visiting yachts. More recently, the development of Glenfern has created a centre for conservation efforts and the restoration of native birdlife across the island.
Services and Facilities
Port Fitzroy has a general store, café, and takeaway shop near the wharf, and is one of the few places on the island with food and supplies for travellers. Glenfern Sanctuary offers accommodation and guided tours, and there are private lodges and baches in the area.
How to Get There
From Tryphena, drive north through Claris, Whangapoua, and Okiwi. The route takes about 90 minutes and includes narrow, winding sections through native forest and coastline. Glenfern Sanctuary is signposted shortly before the main harbour area, and Old Lady Track is just before the sanctuary. To reach Akapoua Bay Campsite and Forest Road access, continue past the wharf to the end of the sealed road.
