New Zealand Bay of Islands
Day 1
Welcome to New Zealand!
Auckland is built around two large harbours and is the largest city in New Zealand. In the centre is the iconic Sky Tower, from which you have a view of Viaduct Harbour. Many yachtsanchor here, which are partly responsible for the city’s nickname (City of Sails). Along Viaduct Harbouryou will find many bars and cafes. Auckland Domain, the oldest city park, is built around an extinctvolcano, Pukekawa. You can also visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum and learn about thecountry’s history and culture.
Day 2
Today you will journey along the “Hibiscus Coast” into the scenically very diverse and charmingNorthland. The route is often lined with impressive New Zealand Christmas trees (“Pohutukawa”). Passing Whangarei, the heart of the Northland region, you will reach the picturesque Bay of Islands inthe subtropical north in the afternoon. You will spend the next 3 nights in Paihia. The Bay of Islands is an area of over 140 subtropical islands and is known for its undeveloped beaches,fantastic fishing and vibrant Maori culture. The Bay of Islands is also home to the former whaling stationof Russell, which was New Zealand’s first colonial capital.
Day 3
Join a full day cruise around the islands of Ipipiri – the Bay of Islands.
Start the morning with a cruise through the inner islands, past the Cape Brett peninsular and out to thefamous Hole in the Rock on Motukōkako. Take in the the stunning scenery, learn about the history ofthe area through the informative and entertaining commentary and be sure to keep an eye out fordolphins and other marine wildlife along the way.
Stop off at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island for an extended island stopover where you can relax onthe beach, explore one of the coastal walking tracks, have a swim or hire a kayak - kayaks are availableto hire during the peak season. Enjoy a bite to eat and drink from the Otehei Bay Bar & Cafe which isfully licensed and serves a range of refreshments and meals. Following your island stop, set off throughthe inner islands of the bay, past the unique Black Rocks, the historic Marsden Cross where the firstEuropeans settled in New Zealand and then you’ll have an opportunity to try your hand at boom-netting when available
Day 4
Take a short drive to Tutukaka today and enjoy an ocean cruise to the Poor Knights. This full day trip offers the ultimate non-diving Poor Knights experience, offering sight-seeing, kayaking,cave explorations, snorkeling, swimming, sea mammal-spotting, snippets of fascinating history and Island facts and great food.
The boat is incredibly well outfitted, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, upstairs viewing, plenty of facilities and the fabulous “fish camera” with live underwater shots beamed right into the boat. You don’t even have to get wet to see the fish.
Visit the world’s largest sea cave, Rikoriko Cave by boat, and the various arches.
Day 5
Journey back to Auckland today for the start of your tour of the rest of New Zealand.
Pricing:
$2550 per person
double occupancy
Single Supplement $800
