Please note:

Winter realities - August-September. Cape Reinga Coach tours and Bay of Islands cruise are subject to minimum numbers. The Cape Reinga fly/road tour cannot land in winter but does a 2 hour scenic flight from Kerikeri including circling Cape Reinga and overflying the beaches for a minimum of 2. Same cost $480 applies.

Tour 205

NORTHLAND HERITAGE TOUR

 4 days/3 nights. Departs Auckland every monday year round for minimum of 4. Our shorter 3 day tour departs for minimum of 2!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Special departures - 5 days away with 1 extra night in Bay of Islands- no extra charge!

CHRISTMAS. December 24 - 28. Includes Christmas Day at Rangihoua to celebrate the 210th anniversary of the coming of christianity to New Zealand and christmas dinner - no extra charge!

WAITANGI DAY.  February 3-7. Includes visit to Rangihoua and Waitangi Day at Waitangi.      

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

Day 1. Monday. AUCKLAND - KAURI MUSEUM AND FORESTS -  HOKIANGA      

Depart Auckland 9.30am. Drive north over the harbour Bridge and along the Hibiscus Coast to the Otamatea (Matakohe) Kauri and Early Settlers Museum, one of the best little museums in New Zealand. Learn of the importance of the kauri tree to the development of Northland and see the lifestyle of the early settlers who first came to this area in 1862. See the world's largest kauri slab at 22.5 metres long and New Zealand's first tractor plus the beautiful furniture with its veneer of native timber, and the extensive display of kauri gum.

Continue through Ruawai 'kumara capital' of New Zealand, and Dargaville and visit the Kai-iwi Lakes. Continue into the Waipoua kauri forest. Visit "Tane Mahuta" giant kauri tree - some 2000 years old and enjoy spectacular views of the harbour and sand dunes as we arrrive in the Hokianga.  Enjoy the MANEA - FOOTPRINTS OF KUPE  75 minute multi sensory 4D experience of guided story telling of Maori beliefs and migration. Kupe is credited with discovering New Zealand some 800 years ago, his wife is credited with giving us the original name He ao, He ao, He Aotea, He Aotearoa (land of the long white cloud), and this is where Kupe is reputed to have left on his journey back to Raiatea (Join me on a tour to Tahiti and 14 day cruise of the Society and Marqueses Islands) from where the great migration came. Continue to Omapere and our accommodation at the Sands Hotel on the shores of the Hokianga  Harbour. Optional hike to the Hokianga Heads for  spectacular views of the harbour entrance  and sand dunes. (Please note: as accommodation is scarce in the Hokianga some tours may have to go on to the Bay of Islands for 3 nights).

Day 2. Tuesday. RAWENE -   WAIMATE  - KERI KERI - RUSSELL      (B)

We enjoy a brief visit to historic Rawene including Clendon House (exterior only) built in the 1860's. James Clendon had a chequered history including being signatory to the Declaration of Independence, present at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, and American Consul in the Bay of Islands. Also learn of Baron Du Thierry, self proclaimed 'Sovereign Chief of New Zealand', and his misguided plans for the area. 

Drive to Te Waimate Mission Station established as a model farm by the Missionaries in 1834 and where Charles Darwin enjoyed Christmas with the Missionaries in 1835. It was also the scene of the 2nd signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on the 10th February 1840. Drive through the citrus orchards of Keri Keri to visit the Stone Store which opened for business in 1836 and is still trading. Enjoy a tour of Kemp House built in 1822 and the oldest building in New Zealand. Visit  Kororipo Pa site, home of the famous Maori chief Hongi Hika.

Continue to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a tour of the Treaty House, scintillating Maori cultural performance, see the great war canoe, and enjoy an hour in the excellent Treaty Museum opened in 2016 with video presentations portraying the events of 4-6 February, 1840. Optional visit to the 2nd World War Maori Battalion museum. 

This afternoon we cross to historic Kororareka (Russell). Enjoy a walking tour of the town and a guided tour of Pompallier Mission House and Printery, built in 1842. Learn how to tan a hide, bind a book, and much more. See the oldest church in New Zealand, built in 1835. and visit Flagstaff Hill for a panoramic view over the Bay of Islands.

You are welcome to stay on in Russell and have dinner at the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel and return to Paihia by ferry later. (dinner and ferry own expense). 

(Your driver/guide will probably return to Auckland tonight and pick you up again on thursday morning).

Day 3. Wednesday.        BAY OF ISLAND FREE DAY - CAPE REINGA OPTION.

The day is yours to make as active or relaxing as you wish.

Visiting Cape Reinga at the top of New Zealand is a special experience. It is possible within our tour. 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. 5 hour tour by air and road. Extra cost $480. 

October - April. 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 in October. 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 etc..

Day 4. Thursday.  BAY OF ISLANDS - AUCKLAND.

This morning we cruise through the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett and through the 'Hole in the Rock' - weather permitting. You will have over an hour to explore Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island and purchase lunch (own expense). Visit Kawakawa to see the famed Hundertwasser toilets and ride the historic train (limited operations cost extra). Continue to the Ruapekapeka Pa site, scene of the last battle of the Northern land wars in 1846 then on to Whangarei Town basin including the amazing Claphams Clock collection and the Hundertwasser Art Centre . Return to Auckland late afternoon. 

 

Tour 205 

NORTHLAND HERITAGE TOUR

4 days/3 nights

Departs Auckland every monday year round for minimum of 4.

Special departures December 24 and February 03 with 1 extra night in the Bay of Islands - no extra charge.

Tour features 

* Pickup and return from any Auckland accommodation between Pukekohe and Orewa. 

* Otamatea (Matakohe) Kauri and Early Settlers Museum, 

* Dargaville, 

* Waipoua Kauri Forest including "Tane Mahuta" giant kauri tree some 2,000 years old 

* Hokianga Harbour, 

* Manea Footprints of Kupe 

* One night at "The Sands" hotel on the shores of the Hokianga Harbour (Subject to availability) and 2 nights at Copthorne or Scenic Hotel in the Bay of Islands. Some groups in summer may need to stay 3 nights in the Bay of islands.

*  Rawene  including Clendon House (exterior only), 

*  Te Waimate North Mission Station, 

*   Keri Keri Stone Store 

*  Kemp House guided tour - oldest house in New Zealand,    

*   Waitangi Treaty grounds guided tour with Maori concert (concert not always available)  and time in the excellent museum of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi  and Maori Battalion Museum. 

*   Haruru Falls, 

*  Paihia. 

* Cape Brett 'Hole in the Rock' and dolphin cruise. 4.5 hours.

*  Russell tour including Flagstaff Hill, Christ Church - oldest church in New Zealand built in 1835, guided tour of Pompallier House. 

*  Optional tour by coach or air/mini bus to Cape Reinga

*  Kawakawa 

*  Hundertwasser Toilets  

* Ruapekapeka Pa battle site

* Claphams Clocks 

* Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangarei

     

2 per room               $1,990                      

Single room              $2,490

Tour cost includes:
** All travel from Auckland to Auckland

**  1 night accommodation and breakfast at The Sands Resort Hotel Omapere, 2 nights accommodation and breakfast in the Bay of Islands (or 3 nights Bay of Islands)

** Admissions to Matakohe Museum, Te Waimate Mission Station, Kemp House, Waitangi Treaty Grounds tour with concert and museum, Russell Tour, Oldest church in New Zealand, Pompallier House tour, 4.5 hours Bay of Islands cruise to Cape Brett and Otehei Bay, Claphams Clocks, Hundertwasser Art Centre. 

 

TWO Days/1 Night option - return to Auckland Tuesday night after completing all sightseeing for the day.

Tour cost per person 2 days/1 night

2 per room  $1,190.    Single room $1,390

 

Payments and cancellation fees. 

A 10% deposit is required on reservation.

Balance is due 1 month prior to travel.

Our cancellation policy: 

If you decide to cancel your tour up to 14 days prior to travel 10% fee will be deducted and the balance refunded. Cancellations 14 days - 7 days prior to travel will incur a fee of 50%, less than 7 days up to 80%

Request Now

Copyright © 2024 New Zealand Tours

Website crafted by bocapa