Northland Highlights. Three days (extendable)

This is a FREEDOM tour with travel to and from the Bay of Islands with Intercity coaches. Commentary and transfers are not included on these services. The tour is extendable and adaptable.

Tour 204

Bay of Islands including cruise and Russell tours. - 3 days/2 nights 

Departs Auckland DAILY for minimum of 1

Unsolicited comments from past clients ;

On behalf of our family group I would like to thank you for the unforgettable trip you organised for us. We highly appreciate your considerations with our need to be together as a family group, and for the excellent organisation during the whole trip. (E.R. Israel). 

Day 1.       AUCKLAND - BAY OF ISLANDS                               
7.30am. Depart Auckland Intercity coach terminal in Hobson St and drive north over the Harbour Bridge, through the Hibiscus Coast, and on to Paihia in the Bay of Islands arriving 11.40am (alternative coach available most days departing 1pm - arriving 5.15pm. Accommodation and breakfast for 2 nights is sually at the Kingsgate Hotel, 2 minutes walk from the coach, pier, and Visitor Centre. This afternoon  the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (a pleasant 25 minute walk along the waterfront)  for a tour of the Treaty House, scintillating Maori cultural performance (not always available in winter), see the great war canoe, and enjoy the excellent Treaty Museum opened in 2016 and video presentations portraying the events of 4-6 February, 1840. Also visit the new 2nd World War Maori Battalion museum.

Day 2.         CAPE BRETT CRUISE AND RUSSELL               (B)
Enjoy a 4.5 hour cruise around the beautiful Bay of Islands this morning to Cape Brett and pass through the 'hole in the rock' - weather permitting. Cruise past the islands and into secluded bays. Usually dolphins are to be seen during this cruise. Disembark at historic Russell for a short tour including the exterior of Pompallier House and a visit to Flagstaff Hill. Take time to wander and visit historic Christ Church - oldest church in New Zealand, museum, and Pompallier House  (museum and Pompallier House admissions extra.

Cruise departs Paihia 8.30am and 2pm daily September - May and 10am June - August. Returns to Russell approximately 4 hours 20 minutes later and Paihia 4 hours 30 minutes later. 

Day 3.     PAIHIA - AUCKLAND   (b)

Time to explore at your leisure. Coaches depart Paihia for Auckland at 7.45am arriving 12pm, (also)  10.15am arriving 3.50pm, (and) 1.35pm arriving 5.45pm

Tour cost per person   2 per room  $990. Single Room $1,420

Extra nights accommodation and breakfast at Kingsgate Hotel. Cost per person:   $150 share twin. $270 single.
Accommodation can be upgraded to Scenic Bay of Islands Hotel (Best hotel in the Bay) or Copthorne Waitangi (Best location in the Bay) for extra cost.

STAY LONGER. 
We do recommend an extra night or two in the Bay of Islands to enjoy all that it has to offer. This will provide a more relaxed time in Russell and gives you the option of taking the historic 'Cream cruise', R Tucker Thomson tall ship cruise, and/or swim with the dolphins cruise either instead of, or as well as the most popular Cape Brett cruise we include. 

CAPE REINGA

Visiting Cape Reinga at the top of New Zealand is a special experience. Extend your stay in the Bay by a day and enjoy it or we can adjust your sightseeing to include Cape Reinga on day 2. These options should be reserved well in advance as they are very busy during summer..

Option One. One day coach tour by special coach.  Depart Paihia 7am - return about 6.30pm. - extra cost $170. 11.5 hours.

Depart at 7am by special bus for Cape Reinga at the top of New Zealand travelling part way on the sands of Ninety Mile Beach. See the meeting of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean and some of the beautiful beaches. Option to Boogie Board on the giant sand dunes.  Enjoy the drive down the beautiful East Coast passing Doubtless Bay, Coopers Beach, and Mangonui on the beautiful Whangaroa Harbour arriving Paihia early evening. Picnic lunch included.

Option Two - highly recommended. 4.5 hour tour by air and road. Extra cost $460. 

Departs Kerikeri airport 8.30am and 1.15pm (morning - minimum of 2. Afternoon subject to demand). Transfers from Paihia provided.

Fly north over Kerikeri vineyards and orchards, Whangaroa Harbour, Rangaunu Harbour, Ninety Mile Beach, and land near Cape Reinga for a 2 hour road trip by special vehicle to Cape Reinga lighthouse, Tapotupotu Bay, and Te Paki stream. Return to the plane and overfly Parengarenga Harbour, Great Exhibition Bay, Houhora Harbour, and Cavalli islands returning to the Bay of islands. See parts of the north not seen from the road for an unforgettable experience.  

Option 3. R Tucker Thompson tall  ship sailing.

The R Tucker Thompson tall ship resumes sailing for the summer. Day sail (Departs Russell 10am - Returns 3.30pm including lunch $159. Sundowner sail 4.00pm - Return 5.45pm.$67.50. This option can be taken monday or tuesday.

Many other activities available including kayaking to Haruru Falls, Parasailing, deep sea big game  fishing, golf  etc..