Glenfern Sanctuary
Glenfern Sanctuary
5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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5.0
36 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
5
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Kikki
Auckland, New Zealand357 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We stayed in the cottage and it was lovely. It's not posh but has everything you need for a very comfortable stay. The views are amazing. The birdlife is unbelievable. There are walks outside your front steps. It is just a few metres to the jetty to cool off on a hot day o to fish or watch the eagle rays feed.
Our hosts were so hospitable, generous and helpful. They are full of local knowledge and advice.
The Glenfern house (we didn't stay in but had a look around) was AMAZING and huge. That would be an awesome place to stay for a larger group.
This place is so cheap to stay in and Great Barrier Island is a must-do for tourists and New Zealanders. Yes, it is costly to travel here but it is worth every penny and more!
Our hosts were so hospitable, generous and helpful. They are full of local knowledge and advice.
The Glenfern house (we didn't stay in but had a look around) was AMAZING and huge. That would be an awesome place to stay for a larger group.
This place is so cheap to stay in and Great Barrier Island is a must-do for tourists and New Zealanders. Yes, it is costly to travel here but it is worth every penny and more!
Written 7 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
samwayne
New Zealand30 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
We didn’t have time for the whole walk but were greeted by enthusiastic and very helpful staff who obviously have a passion for what they do. Walked up to sunset rock, views are amazing from there .
Written 23 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wendybG1072OZ
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Couples
This is the most tranquil & beautiful spot. A nature lovers paradise. Walks, water & views to die for. We stayed in the small cottage alongside the main house. It was well equipped & Christine provided us with lots of tips, walk information & general kindness ( including emergency soy sauce to go with the freshly caught fish off the wharf). The loop walk is fabulous with stunning views over the harbour. All in all a very enjoyable stay.
Written 6 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie C
Wellington, New Zealand123 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
A tip for anyone visiting Great Barrier Island - talk to people (locals and visitors) about what they recommend doing. That's how we found out we could climb into a 600 year old Kauri tree at Glenfern Sanctuary (which we'd previously decided not to visit). So, on a gorgeously hot and sunny day, we walked up up up and across a swing bridge, and then into the giant Kauri - a novel experience ! And then, on the walk back down, don't miss Sunset Rock. The views from there over Port Fitzroy and the northern part of the island are sensational.
Written 19 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiwi_Traveller45
Auckland, New Zealand107 contributions
Dec 2020
Part of the walk was under construction so no loop trip was possible. We chose to go the left side (steeper section) passed the Pateke duck pond to the look out. We should have asked first as this side was a bit of a disappointment - steep road, loose shingle and need care when descending. Great views from the Bouzaid lookout, and the walk up to stopping point (work under construction) was regenerating bush with obvious plantings of Kauri which did look at bit out of place, but will be better as bush thickens. Suggest you check best option before you start if construction is still underway or you don't have time for the whole loop.
Written 22 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DebNZ
Auckland, New Zealand7 contributions
Jan 2020
We had an amazing afternoon wondering around Glenfern. We were literally the only people there that afternoon. We walked up the bush track to the Kauri swing bridge, then across to Sunset Rock for an outstanding view of Port Fitzroy, then down the 4 wheel drive track. The native born life was abundant and singing away in the trees.
Amazingly it was free to visit Glenfern. We left a donation in their visitors centre :-)
Amazingly it was free to visit Glenfern. We left a donation in their visitors centre :-)
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kiwi123742
Auckland Central, New Zealand14 contributions
Feb 2019 • Solo
This is well worth a visit! A man with foresight on bringing back native birds had overseen a planting of native bush interspersed with a trail system. A section of the track has signage naming the various native trees. View the valley and subtropical bush from the Kauri treetop. Ensure your boots are brushed and sprayed at the entrance to help preserve these wondrous trees that are being threatened by Kauri Dieback Disease.
Written 28 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B0nniec11
Wellington, New Zealand2 contributions
Feb 2019 • Friends
A totally magical weekend with friends at Glenfern Sanctuary. We stayed in the historic Fitzroy House conveniently located inside the sanctuary. Loved the view from sunset rock, the amazing swing bridge that takes you out into the tree canopy of a giant kauri tree, and a chance to get up an close with the friendly pāteke, kāka, and kēreru who frequented the gardens. Highly recommend for a break away.
Written 9 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim H
44 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
At first I thought this was just another tourist location but as soon us we entered it was amazing. The walk is beautiful ,very well laid out and the views from Sun Set Rock are unbelievable ,you can see right up the coast and the final thing that blows you away is that this is all run by one family. Yes it's privately owned and entry is by donation .A must see on Great Barrier Island
Written 1 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GDCT42
Wellington, New Zealand14 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
Easy to find with adequate car parking out front. Beautiful walk crisscrossing a small stream as you climb up the the ridge for a fabulous outlook. Native trees throughout with plaques to indicate species. Bring your lunch as there are no facilities at the Glenfern and the local shop only sells pies crisps and chocolate to eat on the go. A must see while on Great Barrier
Written 14 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingGLENFERN SANCTUARY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Glenfern Sanctuary
- Glenfern Sanctuary is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Hotels near Glenfern Sanctuary:
- (0.50 km) Treehome Bed & Breakfast
- (13.22 km) Te Whau Lodge
- (15.08 km) Eden Villa Bed & Breakfast
- (13.87 km) The Boatshed
- (13.91 km) Delamore Lodge
- Restaurants near Glenfern Sanctuary:
- (0.22 km) Uxbridge Cafe
- (0.36 km) Basalt
- (0.28 km) The Good Home Howick
- (0.32 km) Cafe Paris
- (0.32 km) Benjarong Thai Restaurant - Howick