Glenfern Sanctuary is a regional park and conservation sanctuary on Glenfern Road, on the north-west coast of Aotea Great Barrier Island, about 100 km north-east of Auckland's CBD. The park covers 83 hectares and is the gateway to the 240-hectare Kōtuku Peninsula, which sits behind a 2 km predator-proof fence. The park is free to visit every day from sunrise to sunset. Its 2 km loop track runs through native bush, with a swing bridge into the heart of a kauri tree. Visitors can hear tui and kākā and see some of Aotea's most endangered species. The historic Fitzroy House and Glenfern Cottage are available to stay in. The Glenfern Sanctuary Trust works with Ngāti Rehua–Ngātiwai ki Aotea Trust under kaitiakitanga, the guardianship of endangered plants and animals.
Customers say the loop walk is great, and the kauri swing bridge is the highlight. A small tour group enjoyed a presentation, a guided walk to sunset rock and the kauri tree, and said the donation to the trust was good value. Another walker climbed to the top of sunset point, and said the views were fantastic. Others enjoyed the scenic Port Fitzroy, and hand-feeding the ducks. Our pick on Great Barrier Island for an easy walk through native bush, with a kauri and a sunset viewpoint.