We were met at the wharf by Annette who took us into a nearby Nissan hut for the biosecurity check and to show us the tracks on a large wall map.
We headed first to the chapel and then on to Ladies Bay. On the way we passed singing saddlebacks and foraging weka amongst the newly planted natives. The bay was a lovely sheltered cove with trees and tables. Further on we came to the island's cemetery on a headland overlooking the sea. The graves were neat and well-tended and everywhere were plaques explaining the island's history as a Salvation Army rehabilitation centre for alcoholics.
We climbed up to the northern tower on top of a hill overlooking Pakatoa and Waiheke to the north west and Ponui and Coromandel to south. Then on to the northernmost point of the island and back in a loop to the lovely sheltered Ladies Bay for lunch. Afterwards we explored the southern end of the island including a giant scoria sculpture overlooking the gulf. There was a new gannet colony complete with decoys and loudspeakers broadcasting gannet-speak to encourage nesting. At Men's Bay we decided to explore the coast and scrambled around the rocks to arrive back at Ladies Bay. Returning to Home Bay we saw enclosures for rare skinks and the fantastic new visitor centre and museum. We were treated to tea and scones before boarding the boat home.