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3 Day Bay Of Islands Tour from Auckland including Waitangi and Cape Reinga

Offered by Discover New Zealand

From

$1,245.00 per person

4.2 (18 reviews)

Confirmation: MANUAL

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

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

Tour Overview

Trace the Twin Coast Highway from Auckland to subtropical Northland, then base yourself in Paihia, gateway to the Bay of Islands. This independent coach itinerary uses a mix of touring and point-to-point services; commentary is provided on the dedicated sightseeing legs, while regular coaches simply deliver you to the next destination. Passenger groups and drivers change between sectors, so you’ll meet new travellers along the way. Group sizes range from 25 to 45 guests, keeping the journey social yet comfortable.

Day one centres on Aotearoa’s founding story at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where a local guide leads you through the carved meeting house and the 35-metre waka. Day two heads north to Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea collides with the Pacific beneath the lighthouse, returning via wind-etched Ninety Mile Beach with time to try dune-boarding. Your final morning features a dolphin-spotting cruise through the Bay of Islands, passing the Hole in the Rock before you re-join the coach south to Auckland.

The package covers return coach transport, two nights hotel accommodation in Paihia, guided entry to Waitangi, the full-day Cape Reinga excursion, and the scenic cruise. Meals are at your own expense, giving you freedom to explore Paihia’s cafés and waterfront eateries during your free time each evening.

What's Included

  • 2 nights accommodation in Paihia
  • Experienced coach drivers
  • Hole in the Rock cruise
  • Return transport Auckland to Auckland
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Lunch
  • Guided tour of Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  • Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach tour

Not Included:

  • Meals unless specified
  • Pre and post tour accommodation
  • Gratuities
  • Travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance for all tours

What To Expect

Day 1 : Auckland to Paihia and Waitangi Treaty Grounds

  1. 1

    Paihia Harbour

    Leaving central Auckland, set out on your journey to the Bay of Islands. Travelling by coach, listen to your driver's commentary as you cross Auckland Harbor Bridge, and head out of the city through the farming countryside and sub-tropical bush, stopping along the way for morning tea (own expense) before eventually reaching your first destination, Paihia.

    6 hours

  2. 2

    Waitangi Treaty Grounds

    Join a guided tour of Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the historic site where the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document, was signed. Learn more about New Zealand's history and Maori heritage as you explore the Treaty House. Visit a traditional Maori meeting house, and marvel at the 35-meter-long hand-crafted Waka (canoe) which is still used today.

    2 hours

    Admission: Included

Accommodation: Choose from 3-Star or 4-Star hotel accommodation in Paihia

Day 2 : Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach Day Tour

  1. 1

    Cape Reinga Lighthouse

    Set out by coach on a full-day tour to Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand. Along the way, stop to explore the ancient Puketi Kauri Forest, visit the famous Ninety Mile Beach where you can experience the thrills and spills of sand surfing (optional). On arrival at Cape Reinga, walk out along the coastal cliffs to the Cape Reinga lighthouse and hear about the area's Maori legends as you gaze out across the meeting point of the Tasman and Pacific Oceans. Lunch option of chicken salad or falafel salad before heading back to Paihia and returning in the early evening. Please let your travel agent know about your lunch preferences.

    12 hours

    Admission: Included

Accommodation: You have the choice of 3-star or 4-star hotel accommodation in Paihia
Meals: Lunch

Day 3 : Take a cruise to the famous 'Hole in the Rock' before returning to Auckland

  1. 1

    Ipipiri Bay of Islands isite Visitor Information Centre

    Board your cruise and take in the stunning views as you glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over and Piercy Island/Motukōkako, or as it is popularly known the ‘Hole in the Rock’. If conditions permit, your skipper will expertly guide the ship through the narrow space. Keep an eye out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life during your cruise, and have your camera ready as you get up close to the action. Please check with your agent about the winter schedule as they will only be running once a day at 10 am.

    3 hours

    Admission: Included

  2. 2

    InterCity Sky City Bus Terminal

    Following the cruise, hop aboard your coach for a relaxing sightseeing tour from Paihia to Auckland. The afternoon departure time allows you to spend a full day in the beautiful Bay of Islands before returning to Auckland. Your local driver may point out scenic highlights as you travel through farmland and past native forests. At the end of your journey, enjoy the spectacular views from the Auckland Harbour Bridge as you arrive in Auckland's central city by night.

    4 hours

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

InterCity Sky City Bus Terminal

102 Hobson Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

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Pick up from the Intercity bus stop.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Important Information

You will receive a printable itinerary prior to travel. This will be sent to you electronically through Discover New Zealand. Please get in touch via the booking portal if you have not received this within 7 days of your tour departure date. Exact tour departure times will be listed on this itinerary.

Additional Info

  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • 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

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.