Bay of Islands Small Group Tour & Cruise from Auckland - 2 Day (EXCLUDING ACCOMMODATION)

Highlights:

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

Itinerary:

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. Despite their immense size and strength however, these giants are also fragile, so you may even take the opportunity to help in the survival of this mighty taonga (treasure). 

3.      Waipoua Forest – Continuing north the beautiful scenery does not stop and 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, embraced by New Zealand's famous ancient forest, 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 view over the Hokianga Harbour. 

5.      Waitangi Treaty Grounds - After enjoying free time for lunch on the beautiful Hokianga Harbour we journey further north towards the 'birthplace of our nation', 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 hotel (self booked), 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 and a half hour cruise the guides will tell you all about the rich history and nature of the region while searching for the marine life that has made these cruises so famous. With a little luck we will find dolphins or whales or both for you to view and enjoy.

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. In our case we will stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Have a swim, stroll along the white sand beach, walk to the top of the hill for scenic views over the entire Bay of Islands or simply recharge at the island’s fully licenced 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

4.      Auckland –  As we arrive back into Auckland, our guide will drop you off to your hotel, marking the end of your Bay of Islands Tour with us. 

Inclusions:

• Small Group Fully Guided Tour
• Entry in Kauri Museum
• Waitangi guided tour and cultural performance. 
• Cruise tickets
• Water available & snacks provided

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