Windy Canyon

Great Barrier Island, New Zealand

Windy Canyon is a canyon and associated walking track on Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. Located in the centre east of the island, the canyon is a spectacular natural site, a wind funnel shaped from andesitic rock. The canyon perches on one of the highest stretches of the island, less than 200 m below the 621 m summit of Mount Hobson . Spectacular views of the Okiwi and Awana lowlands (north, respectively south of the canyon) can be had from it. Palmers Track winds through the canyon, with the first part of the track (rising from the Okiwi-Claris road in the east) being boardwalked, and equipped with wooden stairs to allow easy access (15 minutes walk) into the most spectacular parts of the canyon and onto the ridge. From there, the track leads further west to Mount Hobson (Hirakimata). This part of Palmers Track is a medium-difficulty track (3–4 hours walk return).