Itinerary
Day 1: Matakana Art, Food, Wine, Chocolate Tasting Experience & Overnight Stay in Paihia
Stop At: Honey Centre, Corner of State Highway One & Perry Road, Warkworth, Auckland 0983 New Zealand
An hour north and a world away from Auckland is the Matakana coast. Matakana is where Aucklanders go to escape the bustle of the city. It's a place to enjoy unique sculpture, wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication. Our first visit to the Honey Centre makes a diverting pit stop, with its free honey tasting and glass-fronted hives. The Honey Centre, has New Zealand’s largest display of live bees and a huge range of native honeys to taste and buy.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Chocolate Brown, 6 Mill Lane, Warkworth 0941, New Zealand
Calling all chocolate lovers to this Chocolate Cafe and Chocolate shop! You’ll feel like you are stepping into a vintage sweet shop full of delightful surprises. Enjoy one of our complimentary chocolate tastings while you watch our Chocolatiers at work. Sample the many hand-crafted chocolates made from quality ingredients, and choose gifts to take home.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Sculptureum, 40 Omaha Flats Road, Matakana, Auckland 0986 New Zealand
Sculptureum is a place to be inspired by nature and human creativity. An art experience that is internationally unique. Over 400 works of art fill three sculpture gardens and six galleries. A destination that has been ten years in the making is designed to unlock the imagination, fuel creativity and ignite the mind. The gardens burst with colourful plantings that change with the seasons. Imposing prehistoric rocks rise up alongside panels that display reflections in writing on Gardens, Inspiration, Wisdom, Art and Music. There is just over 2km of beautifully manicured paths and while summer is the most colourful time of year to experience Sculptureum, each season reveals something new to admire. Complete your experience with a meal at the restaurant (optional) at your expense. We then drive down to Paihia for the real northland encounters and you will have the rest of your day at leisure to explore Paihia and relax with an overnight stay.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 2: Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach Full Day Tour and Overnight Stay in Paihia
Stop At: Cape Reinga, Cape Reinga, Northland Region, North Island
Discover the unique history, culture and landscape of New Zealand's Far North on a day trip to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach. A trip to Bay of Islands is not complete without a journey to the very top of the North Island – Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua). Drive along the shores of Ninety Mile Beach as the waves crash beside the custom-built coach. Feel the sand between your toes as you help your driver guide dig for shellfish (conditions permitting).
Visit Cape Reinga and hear the stories of this significant site where, according to Māori legend, spirits depart on their journey home to Hawaiki. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views, visit the iconic lighthouse, and see the point where the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean come crashing together. During your Cape Reinga tour you'll also experience another Kiwi icon: a lunch of delicious fish and chips at the historic Wagener Museum at Houhora. Upon return from Cape Reinga, overnight stay in Paihia.
Duration: 8 hours
Stop At: Ninety Mile Beach, Northland 0484, New Zealand
Drive along the sand on Ninety Mile Beach as the waves crash beside the custom-built coach. Your off-road journey continues up Te Paki Stream, stopping at the massive sand dunes where you can experience the thrills and spills of sand-boarding. Clambering up and surfing down the dunes (if you dare!) is sure to get your heart pumping.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 3: Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise and return to Auckland
Stop At: Cruise to the Hole in the Rock, 69 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand
Start a splendid day by visting the stunning Hole in the Rock Dolphin cruise experience and continue to historical sites of New Zealand’s Northland, Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
On this half-day Bay of Islands catamaran tour, cruise through the famous “Hole in the Rock.” Relax while your captain expertly navigates the islands, secluded beaches, and rocky promontories. Look for dolphins, penguins, and sea birds en route to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and the famous 'Hole in the Rock'.
Duration: 4 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.