Stepping out
Norfolk Island might be best known for its fascinating history, but it also has an abundance of outdoor experiences.
Baunti Escapes (bauntiescapes.com) and Pinetrees (pinetreetours.com) are the two main tour operators, offering everything from twilight walks of the former convict settlement at Kingston to foraging tours.
Foraging and snorkelling tours can be booked through the information centre, open every day from 8.30am, phone (6273) 22147 or email info@nigtb.gov.nf.
Charter Marine runs the half-day Phillip Island treks, see trekking.nf.
There are plenty of free activities too, such as swimming at Emily Bay, walking the island’s national park trails and visiting Norfolk’s boutique goat farm or winery. See norfolkisland.com.au.
The verdict
Secluded, comfortable and contemporary, Auwas is an ideal base for up to six people and makes you feel right at home on this friendly little island.
The essentials
Auwas Island Holiday Home is at 1 Poverty Row, Norfolk Island.
Rates start at $144 a night for two people, plus $38 a night for extra people (there are two queen beds and two singles), including a basic mobile phone to use.
Car rental costs an extra $30 a day. See norfolkislandholidayhomes.com.au.
The highlight
The quiet, starry nights and feeling at home from the moment I arrive.
Norfolk Island might be best known for its fascinating history, but it also has an abundance of outdoor experiences.
The lowlight
The house is dark inside even on the brightest day and there’s nowhere to sit in the sun with your morning cuppa.
Getting there
Norfolk Island Airlines flies to Norfolk Island from Auckland weekly on Saturdays. See norfolkairlines.com.au.
Air New Zealand flies to Norfolk Island four times a week from Sydney and Brisbane (the flight time is about two hours); see airnewzealand.co.nz.
More information
Visitors can now just show photo ID, but it’s a good idea to take your passport in case your flight is diverted to another country.
The best time to go is spring or summer (September-April) to make the most of the warm weather and water. Moke car rentals start at $50 a day, see mokeaboutnorfolkisland.com.
The writer was a guest of Norfolk Island Tourism.