From the heritage centre, take the track that passes across the front of the building, through open grassland and along the basalt cliff tops to the Ward brothers' old cottage site. From here it leads to the northern point of the island and the bird observation barricade. Views extend down the harbour and across to Rapaki.

Turn south-west and skirt the stock dam to reach a vantage point where there is an excellent view of the ships’ graveyard, which contains wrecks of at least fourteen ships scuttled off-shore.

Continue along to the southern-most point of the island above Walkers Beach and past the quarry workings. The grave of Ivon Skelton, the only leprosy sufferer to pass away on the island, is found here within a neat picket fence.

Around the point the track turns north behind the skiers beach to the terraces where the leprosy colony buildings once stood. View the replica cottage (built by students of Catholic Cathedral College) and walk past the stone terraces admiring the craftsmanship of early twentieth century prisoners from the Lyttelton Gaol. Turn left to climb a short distance to the dog kennels’ site, and a replica of these also built by students.

Return back to the main track through the oak grove, and then descend to Whakamaru Beach and human quarantine barracks. Wind around the beachfront past the historic stock jetty and back to the ferry jetty.