Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga 3 day Tour
Day 1 - Auckland to Pahia, Waitangi Treaty Grounds tour and Russell tour
Auckland to Paihia including Waitangi and Russell with GreatSights (Includes Lunch)
Starting in Auckland, travel north to the Bay of Islands. After arriving in Paihia, visit neighbouring Waitangi for a guided tour of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Explore the original Treaty House, one of New Zealand's oldest and most visited historic homes and the Te Whare Runanga, a fully carved Māori meeting house, which is representative of all iwi in New Zealand. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds offer a truly unique insight into New Zealand's early history. After returning to Paihia, take a short ferry ride across the harbour to Russell. From here you will enjoy the Russell Mini Tour by coach. Learn about the features that make Russell so significant in New Zealand's history, and visits areas which cannot be easily covered on foot, like Flagstaff Hill (Te Maiki), which offers stunning 360-degree views of the whole Bay of Islands. After your tour ends you'll have time to wander the township before returning to Paihia. This tour includes a delicious picnic lunch pack.
Your accommodation: Averill Court Motel, Paihia
The Averill Court Motel is just 10 minutes walk to the centre of Paihia and 1 minute from a great swimming beach. All units feature kitchen facilities, microwave, TV, radio and fridge and other facilities included swimming pool, spa pool, barbecue area and a guest laundry. Meals included: Lunch
Day 2 - Dune Rider Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach Tour
Dune Rider to Cape Reinga with Explore
This full day tour in the unique Dune Rider vehicle is the best way to explore the Far North. Let the driver immerse you in the culture and history of the area, while taking in the amazing scenery. The Dune Rider vehicle is purpose built to go off-road in comfort with air conditioning, reclining seats, plenty of leg room and sloping floors for great viewing. Your full day tour begins with an early morning pick up at your accommodation, and includes a freshly prepared buffet style lunch, a visit to Cape Reinga lighthouse to view the meeting of the two oceans, a beach stop on 90 Mile Beach, boogie boarding down huge sand dunes at Te Paki stream and time at the Ancient Kauri Kingdom.
Your accommodation: Averill Court Motel, Paihia
The Averill Court Motel is just 10 minutes walk to the centre of Paihia and 1 minute from a great swimming beach. All units feature kitchen facilities, microwave, TV, radio and fridge and other facilities included swimming pool, spa pool, barbecue area and a guest laundry. Meals included: Lunch
Day 3 - Hole in the Rock Cruise then return to Auckland this afternoon
Dolphin Cruise to Hole in the Rock with GreatSights
Take a glimpse into New Zealand's earliest European history as your luxury catamaran passes by the township of Russell (Kororareka) and many of the historic and culturally significant islands in the Bay, before heading out into open sea. Enjoy the views as you cruise past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before arriving at the stunning Motukokako Island, home of the majestic Hole in the Rock. As we venture into the dramatic Hole in the Rock (conditions permitting) hold your breath as the skipper navigates through the narrow space and admire the rock walls which soar above you. Watch out for water drops if you are seated on the top deck! Take in the Grand Cathedral Cave before heading back into the sheltered waters of the Bay. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins along the way.
Paihia to Auckland with GreatSights
Enjoy a relaxing sightseeing tour from Paihia to Auckland. The afternoon departure time allows you to spend a full day in the beautiful Bay of Islands before returning to Auckland. Your local driver guide will point out scenic highlights as you travel through farmland and past native forests. At the end of your journey, enjoy the spectacular views from the Auckland Harbour Bridge as you arrive in Auckland's central city by night.