Great Barrier Island - Covert Hiking Adventure

Great Barrier Island, New Zealand - Outdoorsman Dave's Explorative 11-hour hike showcasing Station Rock, Cape Barrier, Whalers Lookout, Johnson's Bay, and Island Bay, & dodgy covert stuff.
7:00 AM: The day begins with anticipation as I lace up my hiking shoes and set out towards the less-traveled tracks at the southernmost end of Great Barrier Island. With a backpack filled with essentials and a heart full of curiosity, I embarked on what turned out to be a somewhat covert adventure.
8:00 AM: Arriving at Station Rock, I'm rewarded with 360-degree views of the rugged coastline. The sound of waves crashing against the cliffs echoes as I begin my trek along the Station Rock Walkway. The path meanders through beautiful bush, past secluded private properties, and many many steps.
11:00 AM: My plans take an unexpected turn after a local informs me that my Rosalie Bay destination is in fact private. I adjust my course and navigate off-track to the Ruahine Lookout. Along the way, I pass many magnificent and bizarre structures as I stealthily make my way past, them whilst avoiding drawing any attention to my being there.
12:30 PM: In the dense bush, I stumble upon the first of two abandoned crop cultivation campsites. Tools and utensils are scattered about, as if someone had left in a hurry, leaving behind a mysterious aura, but clearly, the intention was to return.
2:00 PM: Navigating precisely, I find the dilapidated Ruahine Trig (402m), explore the communications tower nearby, and locate the true Ruahine Lookout, which rewards me with stunning views. With Cape Barrier beckoning far below, I eagerly press on toward the iconic historic landmark known as Whalers Lookout.
3:30 PM: At last, I arrive at Cape Barrier, the southernmost point of Great Barrier Island. Standing on the windswept cliffs, I feel a sense of accomplishment wash over me as I gaze out at the endless expanse of the ocean, the tip of the Coromandel only some 18 Km away. It's a moment of solitude and reflection, surrounded by the raw beauty of this beautiful Island.
4:00 PM: I explore the rugged Johnson's Bay, soaking in the untamed beauty of the coastline before continuing my journey along the Cape Barrier Road to the next track.
5:15 PM: As the sun begins to dip towards the horizon, as I make my way from the beautiful and tranquil Island Bay, back to Cape Barrier Road. I have just experienced two secluded spots known for their pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters and they are now ticked off my bucket list.
6:30 PM: In pitch darkness, with only my head torch illuminating my steps after tramping approximately 38km, I am feeling tired but elated. Reflecting on the incredible journey, I'm startled as a car approaches fast, directly heading towards me. It's the only vehicle I've seen since the start of the track, and it's not my ride. Do I run and hide?
I can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that I've explored the clandestine parts of this beautiful island, venturing where few others dare to tread. It's been a big day, filled with challenges and discoveries that will stay with me forever as a reminder of the thrill of adventure and the allure of the unknown.
[Surreptitious] done secretly, without anyone seeing or knowing:
Chapters:
00:00 Coming up
2:24 Adventure start
6:34 Station Rock (293m)
13:14 Rosalie Bay Rd
15:57 Bug in ear
18:48 Bush-Bash
29:06 Ruahine Trig
32:27 Ruahine Lookout
36:02 Cape Barrier
39:33 Johnson's Bay
40:40 Island Bay
Great Barrier Videos
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2. A Surreptitious Hike • Great Barrier Island -...
3. Dream Come True • Great Barrier Island T...
DOC info about Great Barrier Tracks
www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-rec...
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[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Nice musical choices. Great adventure. Glad to have joined you on this through video. AND... at 2:56 ... we would expect nothing less! 🤣

[@OutdoorsmanDave]

Thanks, do you mean the last minute change of plans? Sadly, I’d planned a trip with my girl but it didn’t work out so the south end was the alternative

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Sorry your planned hike didn’t work out. But I appreciate your ability to adjust your plans

[@johnbell696]

Nice one!

[@OutdoorsmanDave]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ervinslens]

Absolutely gorgeous work my friend 👏, shots are just amazing!

[@OutdoorsmanDave]

Thank you, yes a lot of thought goes into the continuity of a running gun hiking type story like this. It’s not as simple as just setting a tripod in front of a static campsite, you actually have to think the entire time to create an engaging story. I wish I could’ve posted more on what I came across during the gap between A & B but for reasons of privacy I felt it best not to, that experience (I was on tender hooks) remains in my memory. Thank you for your encouragement 🙏

[@waterbourne9282]

A good ramble around. Years ago three of us kayaked across from Fletchers Bay and circumnavigated Barrier and back again over the course of nine days. Interesting to see some of it from the land perspective down that Southern end.

[@OutdoorsmanDave]

Wow how exciting, how long and how dodgy was the gulf crossing and where did you camp around the island?

[@SamClarkPhoto]

Hey Dave! Interesting hike. I found a plantation up the back of my rental place in Nelson many years ago. I pulled it out ha ha ! ;)

[@OutdoorsmanDave]

Pulled it out and dried out? I wonder how popular such activities are now that crystals have overshadowed the market.

[@OutdoorsmanDave]

A big day, full of interesting discoveries and moments of anxiety, a lot of which I won't share but please watch it all and forward it to your friends, constructive comments are welcome.

[@davidneal6920]

Nice place Dave. Nice bush. Looks like much of it is regen? Thanks for sharing Dave 🇳🇿 🥝

[@OutdoorsmanDave]

Well yes because Great Barrier got put on the world stage for its Kauai and therefore deforestation but yes it is an amazing place, have you been?

[@davidneal6920]

@@OutdoorsmanDave no not been there. Would like to one day. Was it you that mentioned in a previous video a NZ battalion stationed there in WWII?

[@OutdoorsmanDave]

@davidneal6920 yes, in a previous video. It would’ve made a lot of sense that Great Barrier was a staging post for an invasion from Japan I’m pleased to hear that people are remembering the information that I’m teaching them as it’s my goal that I’m more than just entertainer.