Bay of Islands including Hokianga

DAY 1. AUCKLAND

Arrive in Auckland and transfer to your 4 star harbourside hotel. You are located opposite the harbour and surrounded by fine restaurants and entertainment. Depending on your arrival into Auckland, you may have some free time to experience a sail on the Auckland Harbour or a visit to the Sky Tower (see optional activities page).

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DAY 2. AUCKLAND/HOKIANGA    (B, SD)

Travel North to the small town of Matakoe and visit the Kauri Museum. This is a most interesting museum dedicated to the story of the Kauri and a great place for souvenirs. Continue to the Hokianga Harbour on the west coast and enjoy a leisurely afternoon...you may wish to meet the locals and have a drink at the local pub or book a massage at Natural Indulgence (see optional activities page). Dinner tonight is a superb crayfish dinner, for which this area is famous (other meals available) before embarking on a twilight tour of the forest. You will meet Tane Manuta, a 2000 plus year old Kauri and Lord of the Forest and experience this intimate encounter as you discover how these trees are inter-twined with the lives of local Maori and the important role they play in the eco-system that is the Waipoua Forest. You will experience the affinity that early Maori had with the forest and the deep spiritual respect they hold for the giants still growing there. Learn of the rich bird life and other fauna that inhabits the forest and witness the transitions of life and the day turning into the night. Enjoy the myths and legends as the forest comes alive around you.

Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Omapere, 1 night

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DAY 3. HOKIANGA/PAIHIA   (B)

Journey from the west to the east coast, ride the vehicular ferry and see Ninety Mile Beach, before arriving at the Bay of Islands. En-route, stop at the town of Monganui and enjoy the best fish ‘n chips in New Zealand (own cost). Continue to Paihia and visit the Waitangi Treaty House for a guided tour. Learn about the treaty signed in 1840 which brought peace and cooperation to the Maori and European settlers. Wander the gardens and museum, view the interesting artifacts and crafts, watch the indoor shows and performances as you spend some time here appreciating the history of the birthplace of New Zealand. Paihia boasts many fine restaurants and you are encouraged to experience some of the local fare. The sleepy village of Russell is only a short ferry ride away (own cost) and a number of restaurants and cafes line the water’s edge.

Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia, 1 night

DAY 4. PAIHIA/AUCKLAND   (B)

Enjoy a Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise and and marvel at the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Watch out for dolphins, whales and an abundence of marine life as you cruise the calm waters, to the famous "Hole in the Rock’. Inspect the islands and inlets before returning to Paihia. Travel south to Auckland and back to your harbourside hotel.

This is Day 1 of both the 16 Day Experience New Zealand and 7 Day Taste of New Zealand tours. Dinner tonight is included as part of your "Welcome Drinks and Dinner" to celebrate the first night of your 16 or 7 Day tour.

Includes: 3 breakfasts and a Crayfish Dinner (other meals choices available), Footprints in the Forest Twilight Tour, Waitangi Treaty House Guided Tour, Hole in the Rock Cruise and 3 nights accommodation.

Copthorne Auckland, HarbourCity, 1 night

　

Meals

Includes: 3 full, hot hotel breakfasts and a Crayfish Dinner (other meals choices available)