Great Barrier Island - Port Fitzroy

Port Fitzroy was everything that I expected the Barrier to be. It felt remote, relaxed, spectacular surroundings, general store and not much more.

The "bay" is more fjord like and as such, there is not a lot of room to accommodate a large fleet of boats. In addition, it is a commercial wharf with ferries from the mainland coming and going on an infrequent basis. However, it is very sheltered. On one occasion we visited in a strong south westerly, probably the wind it would be most exposed to, and it was tenable although rowing the dinghy in was a bit dodgy.

We did not anchor overnight but there were b oats who obviously had. However, like most others who were cruising in the area, we did visit several times to drop off rubbish at the public bins a few metres along the road from the wharf. A 100 metres in the other direction is the general store that has a range of most goods but don't expect mainland prices.

We found bread supplies sporadic but they did have frozen "dough bullets" which have the flexibility to bake into bread, buns, etc. Certainly recommend them.

You can also hire vehicles from the information kiosk just before you get to the store. We did that $115 for the day covered petrol and insurance. It is a great way to see the Island but more about that in another post.

Port Fitzroy Village

Port Fitzroy from anchor

Anchorage: Port Fitzroy
Postion:
Date Visited: Feb 2008

Images from: Mahurangi

Images from the Mahurangi Region - click on links to view related posts
Warkworth Town WharfMita Bay

Moturekareka Island

Big Bay

Images from: Kawau Island

A summary of images and links to the posts about Kawau Island anchorages

Bon Accord Harbour - Sunset

Burgess Bay

Bosanquet Bay

Vivian Bay

MansionHouse Bay

Kawau Island: Bon Accord Harbour

Agnes is a frequent visitor to this harbour but I have never bothered to write up any notes on it.

It can certainly accommodate many craft as anyone who has been there over new year could testify.

Your choice of anchorage will be determined more by; what is available, wind direction and draft.

However, a good sleep can be assured as the water is flat and if you anchor well inside the 5kt restriction area you will not generally be pestered by wakes. Outside of that area it can be "rough going" with the bigger boats always seeming to need to go at full speed right to the 5kt markers.

My only disappointment with Bon Accord is that there are limited opportunities to go ashore and walk. You can walk from Schoolhouse Bay through to Mansion House although access at Schoolhouse Bay is limited by the tide. If anyone has walks they can contribute please do so.

A tiki tour in the tender close to the shore reveals a great cross section of Kiwi baches.

Fuel is available at jetty at Kawau Yacht Club - store also, although I have never had the need to use either.

Anchorage: Bon Accord Harbour - Kawau Island
Position:
Date Last Visited: Feb 08