2 daysAuckland
Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua & Taupo 2-Day Tour from Auckland
5.0(37)Free cancellation
fromNZ$909
Private Tour[2 Days]:Bay of Islands, Waitangi, Russell & Hole In The Rock Cruise
New2 daysAucklandPrivate tour
Length
2 days
Itinerary
2 days planned
Group
Private
Guides
English
Overview
As one of New Zealand’s most popular summer destinations, the breath-taking natural beauty and 144 islands makes for an idyllic aquatic playground. On this luxury private tour from Auckland, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to must-dos in the Bay of Islands! Embark on a voyage of discovery and enjoy the beauty of this area when you join a daily cruise to hole in the rock, the most popular dolphin watching cruise in the Bay of Islands, then to one of New Zealand’s most historic locations, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and take in the sights of Russell on an intimate one-hour coach tour.
Day by day itinerary
1Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Russell Mini Tour & Overnight Stay in Paihia⌄
We pickup travellers from most locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.
We travel from Auckland to Paihia in one of our comfortable and luxurious vehicles. You will have an opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery and listen to the fascinating stories shared by our driver guide onboard as you travel.
We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Northland region.
Paihia is only a few hours’ drive from Auckland, yet it feels like you’re miles away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. Heading up north is a great way to maximise a long weekend. Paihia is the perfect place to get amongst it in the Bay of Islands. No trip to the Bay of Islands would be complete without some time spent in or on the water. With 144 islands, each surrounded by the clear blue ocean, the Bay of Islands really is the place to get your feet wet!
Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds where you will gain an understanding on New Zealand's history. Enjoy an inspiring and interactive experience as you discover Waitangi’s two contemporary museums, powerful Māori cultural performances, informative guided tours, lush native forest and gardens, carving studio with live demonstrations, and so much more, all with stunning views over the Bay of Islands.
Next, we board the Fullers ferry to Russell, the first capital of New Zealand and a significant place in history for both the Maori and European settlers. Take in the sights of Russell on an intimate one-hour coach tour combining historical knowledge and local insight. Learn about significant sites like the Pompallier House and Christ-Church and stand atop Flagstaff Hill for stunning Bay of Islands views. We take a ferry to return to Paihia and you will have the rest of your day at leisure to explore Paihia and relax with an overnight stay.
Overnight: 4 Star Hotel Accommodation on Twin Sharing Basis including Breakfast.
2Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise and return to Auckland⌄
Take a half-day Hole in the Rock cruise and explore the Bay in search of dolphins while visiting its highlights. You could be watching dolphins as they leap and play in sheltered waters - or keep an eye out for other marine mammals like whales and seals. Cruise in and out of beautiful unspoilt islands, see the remote Cape Brett Lighthouse and the impressive Hole in the Rock at Motukōkako Island. Enjoy the large outdoor viewing decks as we cruise past the islands of the Bay. Keep a look out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life, have your camera ready as we get you up close to the action. Hot and cold refreshments are available for purchase on board, meals & snacks can be purchased on our stop at Urupukapuka Island or feel free to bring your own.
After an exhilarating fun-filled experience at Paihia, it is now time to head back to Auckland to conclude your evening and drop-off at your hotel in Auckland.
What's included
- ✓Private transportation
- ✓Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Museum.
- ✓Fully guided private return transfers from Auckland
- ✓Refreshments and water onboard
- ✓Tour this tranquil seaside town through Russell Mini Tour.
- ✓Air-conditioned vehicle
- ✓Admission to 1 hour Russell Mini Tour.
- ✓Stop off at Urupukapuka Island and lunch stop at Otehei Bay.
- ✓WiFi on board
- ✓Admission to return ferry ride from Paihia and Russell.
- ✓A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the journey
- ✓Enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop-over and walk, swim, paddle board, kayak or relax.
- ✓Journey to the iconic Hole in the Rock.
- ✓4 Star Hotel Accommodation on Twin Sharing Basis including Breakfast.
- ✓Enjoy a high-energy Maori cultural performance.
- ✓Luxurious temperature controlled transportation
- ✓Explore the historic site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.
- ✓Discover some of the 144 stunning islands in the Bay of Islands on a scenic cruise.
- ✓Complimentary high-speed internet onboard
- ✓Pick up and drop off from Auckland
- ✓Admission to 1 hour guided experience at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
- ✓Keep a lookout for dolphins, whales, or orcas(at mother nature's discretion).
- ✓Indoor and outdoor seating with large viewing deck.
- ✓Engaging and informative commentary in English.
- ✓Admission to 4.5 hours Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise.
- ✓A personal insight into New Zealand's earliest European history.
- ✓Admission to cultural performance at Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Not included
- ✕Lunch & Dinner
Good to know
Cancellation: All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A full commentary is provided by your skipper. A limited number of multi-lingual headsets are available in German, French and Mandarin Chinese.
- You will be able to purchase lunch from the café at Otehei Bay.
- Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase onboard the vessel.
- The site is wheelchair accessible but please be prepared for uneven surfaces, which may be difficult for those with limited mobility and wheelchair users.
- Interacting with common and bottlenose dolphins, orca, whales and other marine mammals is subject to DOC regulations.
- Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
- You can buy hot and cold drinks and limited snacks on board, or grab a meal at the cafe on Urupukapuka Island. Limited menu available in winter.
- Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, walking shoes, sun protection, jacket/warm layer & essential personal items.
- Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as these locations are the perfect place to get some great travel photos.
- You are welcome to bring your own food. There is also hot and cold food available for purchase on board.
- Children below 8 years old are required to travel in a child safety car seat.
- Children between 5-7 years old are also recommended to be in a booster seat for their safety.
- This is a guided walking tour and sensible walking footwear is recommended
From
NZ$3,495
