DAY 1

#1 Auckland to Paihia

07:00: Depart Auckland

We kick off our journey crossing Auckland’s Harbour bridge, admiring the skyline of what is known as the ‘City of Sails’ as we head north for our journey.

10:45: Tane Mahuta

Situated in the heart of the Waipoua Forest and as tall as it is impressive, the Tane Mahuta (‘Lord of the Forest’) is one of the world’s oldest and largest Kauri trees. Standing at around 50 meters tall, the tree is estimated to be around 2,500 years old!

12:00: Opononi

On route up the West Coast, we'll stop off at the picturesque harbour town Opononi for a lunch break before our final destination.

14:00: Arrive in Paihia, Bay Of Islands

Renown for its picturesque bays, laidback atmosphere and fantastic local fish n chips, our next stop takes us into the heart of the Bay Of Islands, Paihia. Take the ferry over to the historic town, Russell, where you can check out Flagship Hill, wineries & visit one of New Zealand's oldest Churches, the Christ Church!

So if swimming with dolphins, island cruises or famous Maori treaty grounds for a spot of Kiwi culture aren’t your thing, borrow a free kayak or bike and explore the bay your way.

For those who just can’t get enough, optionally top the day off with an overnight cruise. Sail through the bays with a sunset buffet dinner, followed by night kayaking to experience the bioluminescence. Note, the 'Overnight BOI Cruise' extra overrides day two's itinerary.

Inclusions

• Visit Opononi harbour & beach.
• See the Tane Mahuta - Lord of the Forest in the Waipoua Forest.
• Depending on time and bookings, dip into the Kai Iwi Lakes.
• Visit the Bay of Islands.
• Free kayak & bike usage.

Extras

• Overnight Bay of Islands Cruise, night kayak & dinner buffet.
• Local Opononi Fish n Chips.
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
• Open ferry ticket to Russel.
• Sundowner Cruise.

DAY 2

#2 Paihia to Cape Reinga

07:00: Depart Paihia

Checking that you’ve remembered to blink, we continue our journey north to the sacred and most northern point of New Zealand to visit the Cape Reinga Lighthouse.

10:45: Cape Reinga

This land holds great significance to the Maoris and their ancestors and if you don’t catch a glimpse of a dolphin or whale out to sea, you’ll be guaranteed to see where the Tasman Sea (from the west) collides with the Pacific Ocean (from the east).

12:15: Te Paki Sand Dunes

Following on from the Cape, grab your boards because along the shores of the famous 90 Mile Beach, we find Te Paki Sand Dunes. Perfect for sand boarding, we’ll spend the afternoon gliding down New Zealand’s largest dunes, and to top it off, you can experience an optional traditional Maori Hangi lunch to get back that energy.

18:00: Arrive in Paihia

Finishing off the day, we head back to Paihia for another night in the Bay of Islands.

Inclusions

• Cape Reinga lighthouse.
• *90-mile beach & Te Paki Sand dune board hire.*

Alternative

Bad weather? Don't panic, we've got you covered! Whatever the weather, we've lined up a waterfall for the morning and an afternoon soaking up in the volcanic Waiariki Spring hot pools.

• Checkout Rainbow Falls.
• Dip into Ngawha Springs.

DAY 3

#3 Paihia to Auckland

08:00 - 10:00: Free time!

10:00 - 12:30: Kawiti Glowworm Caves

12:30: Depart Paihia

Salty, sunkissed and probably hungover, we'll make our merry way down to where we started.

14:30: Whangarei

After heading south, we'll finish off before heading home at New Zealand's northernmost city, Whangarei.

17:30: Arrive in Auckland.

Inclusions

• Meet the Kawiti family & glowworms on a locally guided cave tour.
• Piroa Falls

Extras

• Hole in the Rock, Bay of Islands 9am morning cruise (Option Overrides the Kawiti Glowworm Caves).

PICKUP LOCATION

Meet at approx 06:30 at 229 Queen St, CBD Auckland. Bus stop on the corner of Darby & Queen St. Coach departs at 07:00.

DROP OFF LOCATION

Arrive back in Auckland for around 17:30.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

This cheap budget tour package includes all:

• Transport.
• Accommodation.
• Food (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
• Itinerary inclusions.

and heaps of optional extras to take your getaway to the next level.

WHAT WE DON'T

• Private Accommodation.
• Hole in the Rock, Bay of Islands cruise.
• Overnight Bay of Islands Cruise, night kayak & dinner buffet.
• Sundowner Bay of Island's Cruise.