Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland to Paihia and Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Stop At: Paihia Harbour, Paihia New Zealand
Leaving central Auckland, set out on your journey to the Bay of Islands. Travelling by coach, listen to your driver's commentary as you cross Auckland Harbor Bridge, and head out of the city through the farming countryside and sub-tropical bush, stopping along the way for morning tea (own expense) before eventually reaching your first destination, Paihia.
Duration: 6 hours
Stop At: Waitangi Treaty Grounds, 1 Tau Henare Dr, Paihia New Zealand
Join a guided tour of Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the historic site where the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document, was signed. Learn more about New Zealand's history and Maori heritage as you explore the Treaty House. Visit a traditional Maori meeting house, and marvel at the 35-meter-long hand-crafted Waka (canoe) which is still used today.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Choose from 3-Star or 4-Star hotel accommodation in Paihia
Day 2: Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach Day Tour
Stop At: Cape Reinga Lighthouse, Cape Reinga 0484 New Zealand
Set out by coach on a full-day tour to Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand. Along the way, stop to explore the ancient Puketi Kauri Forest, visit the famous Ninety Mile Beach where you can experience the thrills and spills of sand surfing (optional). On arrival at Cape Reinga, walk out along the coastal cliffs to the Cape Reinga lighthouse and hear about the area's Maori legends as you gaze out across the meeting point of the Tasman and Pacific Oceans. Lunch option of chicken salad or falafel salad before heading back to Paihia and returning in the early evening. Please let your travel agent know about your lunch preferences.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch: Vegan/Vegetarian options available. Please advise any dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Accommodation included: You have the choice of 3-star or 4-star hotel accommodation in Paihia
Day 3: Take a cruise to the famous 'Hole in the Rock' before returning to Auckland
Stop At: Ipipiri Bay of Islands isite Visitor Information Centre, The Wharf 101 Marsden Road, Paihia 0252 New Zealand
Board your cruise and take in the stunning views as you glide out
through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over and Piercy Island/Motukōkako, or as it is popularly known the ‘Hole in the Rock’. If conditions permit, your skipper will expertly guide the ship through the narrow space. Keep an eye out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life during your cruise, and have your camera ready as you get up close to the action.
Please check with your agent about the winter schedule as they will only be running once a day at 10 am.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: InterCity Sky City Bus Terminal, 102 Hobson Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Following the cruise, hop aboard your coach for a relaxing sightseeing tour from Paihia to Auckland. The afternoon departure time allows you to spend a full day in the beautiful Bay of Islands before returning to Auckland. Your local driver may point out scenic highlights as you travel through farmland and past native forests. At the end of your journey, enjoy the spectacular views from the Auckland Harbour Bridge as you arrive in Auckland's central city by night.
Duration: 4 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.