3-Day Bay of Islands Trip from Auckland

3-Day Bay of Islands Trip from Auckland

This comprehensive 3-day tour of the Bay of Islands is ideal for the first time visitor to New Zealand. With natural beauty, rocky islets and pristine beaches, the Bay of Islands is the water playground of the North Island. Learn about Maori culture, travel to the northernmost point of New Zealand and take a cruise through the famous "Hole in the Rock".

Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland – Bay of Island

Pass By: Paihia, Paihia, Bay of Islands, Northland Region, North Island
Depart from Auckland City Centre and make your way to the township of Paihia. Along the way, see the Auckland Harbour Bridge, the golden sand beaches of the Hibiscus Coast, and the Northern City of Whangarei.

Stop At: Waitangi Treaty Grounds, 1 Tau Henare Dr, Paihia New Zealand
Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds: the site which was where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed by both Native Maori and New Zealand settler. Here you'll see a magnificent Maori meeting house and large war canoe.The rest of your afternoon and evening is at your leisure to explore Paihia.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Scenic Circle Bay of Islands Hotel or similar



Day 2: Day Two: Cape Reinga Day Excursion

Stop At: Manginangina Kauri Walk, Waipapa, Kerikeri 0295 New Zealand
Today you will travel even further north and make a visit to the beautiful Puketi Kauri Forest and get close to majestic giant kauri trees and native bush. Walk along a specially built walkway while giant trees surround you.
Duration: 30 minutes

Pass By: Ninety Mile Beach, Kaitaia New Zealand
Travel along the aptly named 90 mile beach as waves crash beside your custom-built coach. You'll make a number of stops along this journey (weather depending) as you continue on north.

Stop At: Cape Reinga, Cape Reinga, Northland Region, North Island
Arrive at the northernmost tip of New Zealand and look out over the vast ocean at Cape Reinga. Visit the iconic lighthouse and see the point where the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean meet. After you will also enjoy a delicious lunch (included) on the tour and a stop will be made at a local museum. Your tour will return to Paihia in the early evening.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Scenic Circle Bay of Islands Hotel or similar

Day 3: Bay of Islands – Auckland

Stop At: Motukokako Island, New Zealand
Enjoy a morning cruise of to the famous Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett for some truly magnificent views. Sea conditions permitting you will get to travel through the narrow hole of the island for a once in a lifetime experience. Also, if you're lucky, you'll also be able to see local Bottlenose Dolphin close to the boat along with other native marine wildlife.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Russell, Russell, Bay of Islands, Northland Region, North Island
Finally enjoy a sightseeing tour of the historic township of Russell, New Zealand's oldest townships and first capital, as well as some time to explore before returning back to Auckland where your tour will conclude.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.