Akapoua Cottage
Located in Great Barrier Island/Aotea in the Auckland region
Introduction
This is a self-contained, 1-bedroom cottage that sleeps up to 6 people. Ideal for a family or a small group.Access
- Vehicle
Occupancy
- Sole
Facilities
- Kitchen - basic
- Laundry
- Lighting
- Shower - hot
- Toilet - flush
Activities
- Bird and wildlife watching
- Boating
- Diving and snorkelling
- Fishing
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Walking and tramping
Seasonal restrictions
Available for booking from October – May.
The cottage is closed for winter from June to September. Solar power is limited over winter period.
The cottage is located at Akapoua Bay Campsite near Port Fitzroy Harbour.
Facilities
- Sleeps up to 6
Bedroom has 1 bunk bed (sleeps 2) and a double bed (sleeps 2). Lounge has a bunk bed (sleeps 2).
- Mattresses and pillows supplied
- Electric lighting
- Basic kitchen – gas oven and 4 burner stove, full size fridge/freezer
- Pots, pans, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery
- Separate hot shower
- Flush toilet
- Washing machine
- Clothesline outside
- Cleaning materials supplied
- Kettle
- Grassed areas
- Parking
What to bring
- Bedding and linen is not supplied. Bring your own sheets, pillowcases, sleeping bags, blankets, towels, tea towels and sponges.
- If storing bikes, paddle boards, kayaks and so on bring your own cables and locks.
- Toilet paper
Fees
$240 per night. There is a minimum 3-night stay.
Bookings
2023/24 bookings
Bookings for 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024 will open in 2023. The opening date will be announced on this page in late March 2023.
All bookings operate on a first-come first-served basis. We do not operate waiting lists for bookings for future seasons, or currently booked-out facilities.
Bookings are open for stays from 1 October to 30 May.
Backcountry Hut Passes and Backcountry Hut Tickets cannot be used at this hut.
From Auckland, passenger and car ferry to Tryphena or Port Fitzroy, private boat to Port Fitzroy, or air travel to Claris or Okiwi. Rental cars available for hire from Tryphena and Claris by arrangement.
Akapoua Cottage is located beside the Akapoua Bay Campsite. It's a 1-hour drive from Claris airport. Drive approximately 1 km (5 min) past Port Fitzroy
There is no boat ramp at the cottage, but it is located 1 km from the Port Fitzroy boat ramp. Some boats may be able to anchor in the bay and wade/walk to the cottage depending on the tide, boat size and other factors. The water is shallow and there may be hazards such as oysters.
Boil water before drinking. This island has no reticulated power or water. The cottage is serviced by solar power and filtered water. Please be mindful of your water and power use and use carefully. The shower is hot but takes time for hot water to run.
Take all your rubbish and recycling with you. A recycling and rubbish collection point is located at Port Fitzroy boat ramp. Bags can be purchased from the Port Fitzroy shops.
The cottage is next to the Akapoua Campground which becomes busy in summer, especially the Christmas to New Year period. Public access to the grounds, picnic bench and walkway is permitted. Access to the accommodation is by a keypad lock. A code is provided on booking.
Mobile phone reception at the cottage is possible but may be limited depending on weather.
Restrictions
- Fires are not permitted at any time.
- Dogs are not allowed at any time.
- Smoking and vaping are not allowed in the house. Dispose of your cigarette butts safely if smoking outside.
- No camping is permitted in the grounds of the cottage.
There are multiple walking tracks nearby. Warrens Track starts next to the campground entrance. This leads to a waterfall with beautiful pools great for swimming only a 10 minute walk from the cottage. This track links to the Bridle Track which provides a bush walk through to Port Fitzroy. The Old Lady Track is also nearby. The Aotea track is a 3-day walk which starts 10 minutes drive from the cottage.
Moho pererū (banded rails) and kākā are frequent visitors. Pāteke, orca, rays and dolphins can sometimes be seen in the bay and Cook’s petrel can be heard flying over at night during the breeding season.
Diving, snorkelling and swimming are popular activities.The sheltered bay is ideal for kayaking and paddle boarding. Port Fitzroy harbour is a popular fishing area for boaties. Aotea is a dark sky sanctuary making it ideal for star-gazing.
The Fitzroy shop contains essential goods, frozen items, fresh foods and ice creams. Over the summer a pop-up burger bar opens at the Port Fitzroy boat ramp. The nearby Boat Club offers meals and a bar.
Fuel and fishing gear can be purchased at the Port Fitzroy boat ramp. Dive tanks can be hired and refilled at the dive shop at the Port Fitzroy boat ramp.
Contacts
| Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 9 379 6476 |
| Email: | aucklandvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
No physical address Contact via email or phone |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 32242 Devonport Auckland 0744 |
| Full office details | |
| Kauaeranga Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 7 867 9080 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
995C Kauaeranga Valley Road Thames 3577 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 343 Thames 3540 |
| Full office details | |