Glenfern Sanctuary Regional Parkland
Glenfern Road, Port Fitzroy

Total fire ban across all islands in the Hauraki Gulf

A prohibited fire season is in effect across the entire Hauraki Gulf. This means a total ban on outdoor fires and a suspension of all previously granted fire permits.

Find what you can and can’t do during a prohibited fire season, plus fire safety tips, at checkitsalright.nz.

For further information, visit fireandemergency.nz.

Check for open and closed tracks and help protect our kauri

We have closed large sections of our parks to prevent the spread of kauri dieback.

When you visit our parks, you need to clean your footwear and equipment to avoid transferring disease from one area to another.

Find open and closed tracks and read about protecting our kauri.

About Glenfern Sanctuary Regional Parkland

Glenfern Sanctuary Regional Parkland – Aerial view of Port Fitzroy.

Glenfern Sanctuary is on Great Barrier Island.

Access to the island is by air (half-hour flight from Auckland), ferry or boat only.

Come on over and enjoy this predator controlled regenerating forest, where threatened and endangered species are able to thrive once more. Located on the northwest coast of Port Fitzroy (Rarohara Bay).

You will need to drive with care. Glenfern Road (600m) is narrow, unsealed with a hair-pin bend and a stream crossing (ford).

Book accommodation at Glenfern Sanctuary

You need to know

Animals

Dogs, other animals and pets are prohibited at all Auckland Council regional parks' bookable sites and accommodation. The exception is registered aid dogs. You will need to advise our staff at time of booking if you have a registered aid dog for an exemption.
Dogs are allowed in regional parks only as stated in the dog walking section. All other animals are prohibited at all times, unless you have a permit issued by Auckland Council.

Alcohol

Visible and excessive consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
We may ask you and your group to leave the park and terminate your permit.

Smokefree regional parks

Our regional parks are smoke-free.
Please observe this while staying on or using our regional parks.

Waste

All our regional parks are rubbish free. Take all rubbish and recycling with you when you leave.

Outdoor fires

It is illegal to light a fire outside in all public areas in the Auckland region.

Dog walking at Glenfern Sanctuary Regional Parkland

Our tip

Always follow the rules on where you can walk your dog on our website even if the information on park signs does not match. Call us on 09 301 0101 if you need help.
Read more about the dog access rules in Policy on dogs.

All park land
Image of dog sign All TimesAll Times
Prohibited
All times
Beach and foreshore
Image of dog sign All TimesAll Times
Prohibited
All times

All park land
Image of dog sign	All TimesAll Times
	Prohibited All times

Beach and foreshore
Image of dog sign	All TimesAll Times
	Prohibited All times

Dog access rules for other public places

See the Auckland region dog access rules that cover other public areas.

Facilities at Glenfern Sanctuary Regional Parkland

Access

Glenfern Sanctuary is on Great Barrier Island. Access to the island is by air (half-hour flight from Auckland), ferry or boat only. There is no public transport servicing the Sanctuary. You will need to arrange transport from Port Fitzroy.

Pedestrian access

The same as the summer and winter vehicle hours.

Mobility access

There is access via a farm-track to the pāteke pond. A steeper farm track accesses a quad track - the first half of Glenfern Walk. Beyond this Glenfern Walk includes numerous steep steps and a narrow boardwalk.

Pram access

Pram and mountain buggy access is possible along the main entranceway, to the pāteke pond and the wharf / jetty area with care. You can get a mountain buggy from the pond up to and along the quad track section. There are then steps and narrow boardwalks.

Gate access winter

10am to 4pm (Non-daylight saving)

Gate access summer

10am to 6pm (Daylight saving)

Unsealed access road

Drive with care, Glenfern Road (600m) is narrow, unsealed with a hair-pin bend and a stream crossing (ford).

Mobility parking

There is one limited mobility car park available near the entrance to the Information Centre, otherwise parking is at the main entrance gate.

Carpark

The designated car park for day visitors is the grassed area immediately outside the main gate. Do not park across the ford on the concrete platform - this is for the rescue helicopter.

Fitzroy House

Fitzroy House can accommodate up to 10 people with the bonus of a private wharf a short stroll away. For costs, availability and bookings see, www.glenfern.org.nz.

Glenfern Cottage

Glenfern Cottage is a restored former nurses' station can accommodate up to six people. For costs, availability and bookings see, www.glenfern.org.nz.

Ranger office

The first house on your right if entering from the vehicle entry or the house furthest on your right if entering from the wharf / jetty. This is also the ranger's residence - please do not disturb except in an emergency.

Mobile phone coverage

Coverage for Vodafone is generally good. Reception is best near the houses.

Wharf

Beach

The nearest beach is accessible by boat or kayak along the peninsula sanctuary at Kotuku Scenic Reserve. Follow the coast out from Port Fitzroy until you see a small sandy beach (at low tide). Allow an hour to paddle there. No dogs permitted.

Boat ramp

Nearest boat ramp is at Port Fitzroy Wharf, a 5-minute drive away.

Interpretation boards

The Information Centre behind Fitzroy House has interpretive panels with cultural and natural history of Glenfern. Glenfern Walk has other panels with information specific to the walk. An explorer activity sheet is available for 7-12 year olds.

Native bush

Glenfern boasts some stunning areas of remnant and restored native forest with both mature and young trees such as kauri, pūriri, tōtara and pōhutukawa among many others.

Activities at Glenfern Sanctuary Regional Parkland

Weddings

You may need to apply for a permit to have an event or wedding in a regional park. For more information call 09 301 0101 and ask to speak to a sector office.

Boating

Port Fitzroy (Rarohara Bay) is an extremely popular spot for many kinds of boating.

Bird watching

During the day you may see/hear many rare and native species in the sanctuary, along the shoreline and harbour. At night you may see/hear pāteke, kaka and morepork. Ongoing restoration of habitat will help provide an environment to support more species.

Farm animals viewing

Enjoy the sight of cattle grazing peacefully - they help manage paddock grasses in the sanctuary. Please leave gates as you find them.

Swimming

It is possible to snorkel near the wharf/jetty, but better snorkelling is available along the shoreline of Kotuku Scenic Reserve, west of Glenfern Sanctuary - particularly along the rocky coast. Access that area by kayak or boat.

Fishing

The wharf/jetty is a good base for fishing - please do not fish when swimmers are in the area. You can reach better fishing areas by boat from Glenfern. You need to be aware of the fishing and non-fishing areas and abide by all fishing regulations.

Mountain biking

Tracks within Glenfern Sanctuary are not suitable for mountain biking. Consider the Harataonga track or the Forest Road between Port Fitzroy and Whangaparapara for good length and challenging mountain biking options.

Swimming

Swimming is popular from the wharf/jetty. Be aware of boats and stingrays.

Kayaking

Excellent canoeing, sailing and kayaking opportunities exist in and around Port Fitzroy and most of Great Barrier Island. The harbour between Glenfern Sanctuary and Port Fitzroy wharf is generally well-sheltered and suited for beginner paddlers.

Education

Education programmes are available for schools and youth groups. We facilitate experiential education activities which can be arranged in association with Hillary Outdoors or other providers.

Picnics

There are no bookable picnic sites but it is easy to find a favourite spot of your own. Please keep to the public access areas only.

Sightseeing

The sanctuary has some spectacular views including from Sunset Rock with its 360-degree views of the Hauraki Gulf Islands and conservation area. From the kauri tree platform, above the tree canopy, you will have views down to Port Fitzroy.

Glenfern Sanctuary Regional ParklandGlenfern Road, Port Fitzroy