Highlights:
- Some tour companies leave the Bay of Islands off their itineraries, but to us, it’s one of the most special regions of New Zealand and we can’t wait to share it with you.
- Two nights and a full day in the Bay of Islands gives you time to pick from a wealth of awesome optional activities.
- We’ve got you covered, whether you fancy a day trip to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northernmost point, or a dolphin viewing cruise (and even the chance to swim with them if you’re lucky!).
- As with all our tours, we do include a few 'must-do' events, such as a “Kiwi-as” fish and chips feast by the water, and entry to one of the most important historical and cultural sites in New Zealand, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
- Activities can be pre-booked or purchased on the road - just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre-booking any activities you especially want to do.
- As the tour starts early in the morning, you can opt to book accommodation with us in Auckland the night before the tour – only having to walk downstairs on day 1 makes for a stress-free morning.
Included:
- Transport
- Accommodation (dorm share, upgrades available)
- Daily breakfast
- Feast on fish and chips dinner with spectacular Bay of Island views.
- Passionate kiwi guide.
- Small groups - max 16
- Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of New Zealand.
- Explore the Northland East Coast’s stunning beaches and coastal walks.
- Visit the mighty Tāne Mahuta - a tree that is over 1,250 years old in the awe inspiring Waipoua forest.
- Be treated to many surprise stops that only a small group tour can provide.
Day 1 : Auckland to Paihia
Kia ora! Nau mai, haere mai ki Aotearoa! Hello and welcome to New Zealand –The Land of the Long White Cloud! After our 8 am welcome breakfast, we’ll kick off our tour with a leisurely scenic drive to the subtropical “Winterless North”. The Northland region is home to some seriously ancient and impressive kauri forests. We’ll stroll through the largest of these – the Waipoua Forest – to meet Tāne Mahuta, the largest of them all. At over 1,250 years old and over 51 metres tall, he’s looking pretty good for his age. We reach the town of Paihia, the jewel of the Bay of Islands, in the early evening. As the sun sets, we’ll treat you all to a fish and chips feast overlooking the water. It doesn’t get more Kiwi than that!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 2 : Paihia
With more than 140 sub-tropical islands dotted around the coastline, how will you spend your day in the Bay? Hitting the water is the best way to enjoy the coves and beaches of this corner of paradise, and the options are endless. Cruise through a natural rock archway, explore the ocean floor on a scuba mission, sail in search of the local dolphins (or even swim with them!), or snorkel your way around beautiful islands. Check out our awesome add-ons for ideas or hit up your guide for inspiration. Tonight hop on board a catamaran for a Sundowner Cruise! Departing in the evening you'll enjoy some smooth sailing aboard a catamaran and explore the inner bays of Paihia, Opua, Russel and Waitangi from a different perspective. Whatever you choose, you’ll have epic stories to swap with your travel buddies tonight as the sun sets on an awesome day.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 : Paihia to Auckland
Today, discover the Bay of Islands’ important role in New Zealand’s history with a trip to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. We love bringing you here, it’s a truly unforgettable insight into Māori culture. The 35-metre carved waka (ceremonial war canoe), the world’s biggest, is a must-see. After lunch we say goodbye to the Bay. We make time for a very special rest stop in Kawakawa to check out the grass-roofed, mosaic-covered, cobblestoned Hundertwasser Toilets. There’s even a living tree in there. There are some beautiful waterfalls around the area if you know where to look – and we certainly do! So we’ll stop off at one of them, depending on the weather and what your Haka Guide’s favourite spot is. We head back to Auckland via Northland’s east coast, which boasts stunning beaches and coastal walks. Be sure to have your swimwear handy – if time permits, your Haka Guide will take you to some of their top locations! After an epic day, we reach the bright lights of the City of Sails in the early evening. The final night is included in the tour so feel free to explore Auckland's nightlife as your bed is waiting for you.
Meals: Breakfast
Auckland to Paihia - Return
Pickup: 8 am Haka Lodge, 373 Karangahape Road, Auckland.
Return: 7 pm Haka Lodge, 373 Karangahape Road, Auckland.
What to Bring:
Hat & Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Rain Jacket
Beach Towel
Sneakers
Padlock - for luggage storage compartments
Extra Costs:
Upgrade your accommodation from dorm to a private room for $299.
If you will share the room with someone else you only need to book one upgrade and split the price between you both.
As the tour starts early in the morning, you can opt to stay at the Haka Hotel in Newmarket the night before the tour - only having to walk downstairs on the day the tour starts makes for a stress-free morning.
The night at the end of the tour is included so you are not in a rush once we go our separate ways.
You can also extend your accommodation before or after your tour.
This tour is great if you want a magical, yet quick escape to soak up the sun - but it needn't end after three days, as our 7 day North Island tour also departs Auckland and takes in a huge array of highlights en-route to Wellington.
