2020/2021 Auckland > Auckland

Paradise found

Sub-tropical, unspoilt and fascinating; the picturesque Bay of Islands features 144 islands, incredible natural beauty and a whole lot of history.

For those keen to explore a single region of New Zealand, this is the ideal itinerary. Spend time in Auckland, sampling all the experiences on offer from food and wine tasting to sightseeing on the harbour before heading to the Bay of Islands. Wander through giant kauri forests and learn about the history of early pioneers in the Northland region. Choose to cruise around the bay, or visit the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand, the romantic town of Russell. Finish your journey at Cape Reinga, a sacred place where two oceans meet and where an 800-year-old tree stands waiting to help M-aori spirits begin their final journey home. By the time you return to Auckland you’ll be deeply moved by the splendour, spirituality and hospitality of this magnificent and mythic region.

Tour Code:: BOI
Duration:: 6 days
Departure City:: Auckland
Return City:: Auckland

Selected Itinerary

6 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Auckland

Kia Ora and welcome to Auckland for your two night Special Stay. Celebrate the wonder of New Zealand at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Auckland

Freechoice

Sail on an authentic America’s Cup yacht or explore the wine and cuisine of Waiheke Island. Alternatively, take a leisurely harbour cruise, discover the black sand beaches of the West Coast, or join a small group sightseeing tour of Auckland.

Freechoice Dining

Choose between a sunset dinner yacht cruise, Orbit 360 at Sky City, or dinner at the hotel’s Grand Millennium Brasserie.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Auckland > Omapere

Travel north towards the Bay of Islands and visit the Kauri Museum to learn about the history of the local pioneers.

Enrich

The sense of awe you feel as you see the mighty Tãne Mahuta kauri tree for the first time is unforgettable. Listen to stories from your Mãori guide about the ‘Lord of the Forest’.

Sundowners

Watch the sunset on Hokianga Bay with a drink on the terrace of your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Omapere > Paihia

Freechoice

Take a lunch cruise or enjoy a ferry ride to Russell, the birthplace of European settlement in New Zealand. Alternatively, cruise to Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the Hole in the Rock (weather permitting), or join a Taste of the Bay tour.

Spend the next two nights in Paihia.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Paihia

Enrich

Journey to the top of New Zealand – Cape Reinga – and enjoy the thrill of travelling along Ninety Mile Beach.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - Paihia > Auckland

Discover the birthplace of modern New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a Mãori guide. See the world’s largest waka, a ceremonial war canoe, over 70 years old but still used every year on 6 February to celebrate New Zealand’s Waitangi Day.

Enrich

Enjoy an authentic Mãori cultural performance inside the beautifully carved meeting house including a traditional Mãori welcome, waiata (singing), poi, stick games, Mãori weaponry, as well as the famous haka.

Head south via the city of Whangarei and arrive back in Auckland where it’s time to bid a fond farewell to your new friends and the wonders of New Zealand.

Meals Included: Breakfast