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3-Day Bay of Islands Tour from Auckland

Offered by Leisure Tours

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From

$1,079.10 per person

$1,199.00 Save $119.90

4.4 (38 reviews)

Confirmation: MANUAL

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

72 hours (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Tour Overview

Leave the city behind and travel north through farmland and ancient kauri forests to Paihia, your base for three days in the Bay of Islands. After settling into your hotel, cross the harbour to Russell on a short ferry ride and stroll New Zealand’s first colonial capital, where waterfront cafés and 19th-century buildings line the shore.

The following morning a local guide brings the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to life, tracing the events of 1840 inside the carved meeting house and beside the ceremonial waka. In the afternoon, board a cruise that threads between emerald islands en route to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock; keep watch for bottlenose dolphins and gannets that ride the sea breeze. Day three is free for you to add a Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach excursion, paddle a sea kayak among sheltered coves, or simply relax on Paihia’s golden sand before returning south to Auckland.

The package includes return coach transport from Auckland, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Paihia, ferry tickets to Russell, guided entry at Waitangi, and the half-day Hole in the Rock cruise. Breakfasts are provided; other meals and optional activities remain flexible so you can sample local seafood and plan each evening as you choose.

What's Included

  • Russell township tour
  • Commentary by local guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from Auckland
  • Hole in the Rock' Cruise (weather permitting)
  • Transportation by air-conditioned coach
  • Lunch
  • 2-nights accommodation in the Bay of Islands

Not Included:

  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Gratuities

What To Expect

Day 1 : Auckland – Bay of Island

  1. 1

    Paihia

    Depart from Auckland City Centre and make your way to the township of Paihia. Along the way, see the Auckland Harbour Bridge, the golden sand beaches of the Hibiscus Coast, and the Northern City of Whangarei.
  2. 2

    Russell

    This afternoon you will take the ferry from Paihia to Russell where at 1.00 pm you will join a sightseeing tour of this historic township.

    1 hour

  3. 3

    Cruise to the Hole in the Rock

    enjoy a cruise to Cape Brett and Piercy Island and discover the Bay’s highlights from the water. Sea conditions permitting travel through the cavernous Hole in the Rock and marvel at what nature has created. Spot dolphins frolicking, seals and more. Returned to Paihia late afternoon.

    4 hours

    Admission: Included

Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel or similar

Day 2 : Day Two: Cape Reinga Day Excursion

  1. 1

    Manginangina Kauri Walk

    Today you will travel even further north and make a visit to the beautiful Puketi Kauri Forest and get close to majestic giant kauri trees and native bush. Walk along a specially built walkway while giant trees surround you.

    30 minutes

    Admission: Included

  2. 2

    Ninety Mile Beach

    Travel along the aptly named 90 mile beach as waves crash beside your custom-built coach. You'll make a number of stops along this journey (weather depending) as you continue on north.
  3. 3

    Cape Reinga

    Arrive at the northernmost tip of New Zealand and look out over the vast ocean at Cape Reinga. Visit the iconic lighthouse and see the point where the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean meet. After you will also enjoy a delicious lunch (included) on the tour and a stop will be made at a local museum. Your tour will return to Paihia in the early evening.

    1 hour

Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel or similar
Meals: Lunch

Day 3 : Bay of Islands – Auckland

  1. 1

    Waitangi Treaty Grounds

    This morning you will visit and have a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds the site of the historic treaty between the Māori and European pioneers. View a magnificent Māori meeting house and large war canoe.

    2 hours

    Admission: Included

  2. 2

    Auckland Central

    Early afternoon transferred back to the wharf in Paihia to join your coach returning to Auckland. Late afternoon arrive in Auckland you will be transferred to your central city accommodation at which time your tour will conclude.

    3 hours

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

Please select your preferred pickup location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

Please advise if your hotel is located outside the pick up area and we will provide you a meeting location for pick up and drop offs.

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Independent touring - this is not a group tour - we use local suppliers & you will have a different coach & driver each day.
  • Please note that the coach from Auckland to Paihia and return is an intercity coach (full size tour coach, however, with little to no commentary)

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.