Bay of Islands Small Group Tour & Cruise from Auckland - 2 Day

Join Cheeky Kiwi Travel on this enchanting 2-day Bay of Islands Tour & Cruise, unveiling the birthplace of New Zealand and immersing yourself in natural wonders, hidden gems, and rich Maori culture. This intimate, fully-guided adventure seamlessly blends the best of subtropical Northland's east and west coasts.

Our passionate, expert guides bring history to life with captivating stories and insider knowledge, ensuring an unforgettable journey through this iconic region. Travel in comfort aboard our modern, well-equipped Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans, designed for your safety and enjoyment.

Highlights:

• 4.5 hour Bay of Islands Cruise
• Hole in the Rock
• Waterfront accommodation in Paihia
• Wildlife spotting
• Sites of cultural and historical significance
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds
• Tane Mahuta, Waipoua Forest
• The Kauri Museum

• Fully-guided small group tour
• Twin-share accommodation in Paihia (upgrade to single occupancy for $150 in the optional extras)
• All entry tickets
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds tour and cultural performance
• Cruise tickets
• Snacks and bottled water

Day 1

1. Auckland: Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city over the iconic Harbour Bridge, your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
2. The Kauri Museum: Exiting Auckland, we travel west and follow the road through the kumara capital of New Zealand. Our first stop sees us visiting the Kauri Museum, to understand the remarkable story of New Zealand's largest and most famous native tree. Celebrating everything to do with kauri and the people of the north, we discover how kauri have supported lives and livelihoods for centuries.
3. Waipoua Forest: Continuing north, the beautiful scenery does not stop. Our guide will entertain you with interesting information and stories of the area before we enter the majestic Waipoua forest. As the drive swoops and turns, we are finally rewarded by the presence of Tane Mahuta, the Lord of the Forest.
4. Opononi Beach: Enjoy a lunch break in the beachside settlement of Opononi with views over the Hokianga Harbour.
5. Waitangi Treaty Grounds: After enjoying free time for lunch on the beautiful Hokianga Harbour, we journey further north towards Waitangi, where we will be treated to a fully guided tour and cultural performance at Aotearoa New Zealand's most important historic site.
6. Overnight Stay - Paihia: Arrive in Paihia and check into your waterfront hotel, before taking a relaxing walk along the beach and ending the day with dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2

1. Bay of Islands Cruise: After breakfast, we depart on a magical cruise exploring the extensive islands of the area. During this 4.5-hour cruise, the guides will share the rich history and nature of the region while searching for the marine life that has made these cruises famous.
2. Hole in the Rock - Cape Brett: The cruise continues with a visit to the iconic Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett (weather permitting). This massive ocean archway has been thrilling guests for decades.
3. Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island: No Bay of Islands cruise can be complete without spending some time at the beach on one of the islands. We will stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where you can swim, stroll along the white sand beach, or enjoy the island’s fully licensed bar and café.
4. Depart Paihia for Auckland: Sadly, after this day in paradise, we must start to head south again, but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland with secret stops along the way.
5. Auckland: As we arrive back in Auckland, our guide will drop you off at your hotel, marking the end of your Bay of Islands Tour with us.

While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey, and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments, and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

For further information regarding cancellation, luggage, or more details, please visit our FAQs page.