Overnight Taste of the Bay of Islands Tour departs Auckland

The Bay of Islands is the finest Maritime Park in New Zealand with 144 islands, secluded bays and an abundance of marine life. It is the cradle of European civilization in New Zealand and has fine examples of Maori culture for you to experience. The towns of Paihia and picturesque Russell are perfect places to wander amongst the many shops and restaurants along the waterfront.

This two day tour is a great way to sample just some of the highlights of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Choose between a variety of accommodation levels, including the option to 'meet the locals' at a homestay property. You also have the choice of cruise around the Bay of Islands on Day 2, from a dolphin swimming excursion to the famous Cape Brett 'Hole in the Rock' cruise.

Schedule Details Departs:

Daily

Departure Point: Quay Street in downtown Auckland, directly opposite the Ferry Building and selected central city Auckland hotels Departure Time: 7:15am Return details: Tour concludes in Auckland at approximately 8:15pm on Day 2 Hotel Pickup: Hotel pick up is available from selected central city Auckland hotels. Please advise your full hotel name and address at time of booking. Itinerary: Day 1: Auckland - Bay of Islands

Depart Auckland this morning and head north over the Auckland Harbor Bridge to enjoy spectacular rural and coastal scenery en-route to the Bay of Islands. On arrival in the Bay, visit the Waitangi Treaty House and grounds. See a traditional Maori meeting house and a huge 'waka' (war canoe).

Board 'Bay Belle', the ferry from Paihia to historic Russell, New Zealand's early capital and a town still full of the charm of its early whaling port days. Here, join a fascinating mini-tour of the area with a local guide. After the tour there is free time to wander and enjoy the cafes, museums and craft shops along the waterfront.

Return from Russell to Paihia by ferry, then be transferred to your accommodation for this evening. The remainder of the day is at leisure and dinner is at your own arrangements. Dine at the hotel's restaurant or take a stroll along the waterfront and choose from the town's numerous restaurants.

Day 2: Bay of Islands - Auckland (B)

Today you have the choice of one of many fabulous cruises operated before boarding your coach at 4:30pm in Paihia for the trip back to Auckland this evening.

Option 1: The Cream Trip Supercruise and Hole in the Rock

The only authentic "Cream Trip". the tour operator has been delivering mail and supplies to island residents, exclusively for over 100 years. See idyllic sandy bays and homes up close as you truly explore life in the Bay.

Great views from everywhere on the modern cruising catamaran as you are escorted around the Bay in comfort and safety. Crew share their local history and ecology. We often see a variety of marine wildlife including Whales, Seals, Dolphins, Penguins, and other sea and bird life as you travel out to the "Hole of the Rock" at Cape Brett.

At lunchtime relax at the cafe or explore the walking tracks of scenic Urupukapuka Island. You can choose to join the "Kiwi BBQ" lunch or select from the extensive range of food and beverages available from the Zane Grey Cafe at Otehei Bay. Island activities include safe swimming or take the free 20 minute Nautilus Submarine Adventure. On the Nautilus you can often see eagle rays, snapper, kingfish, trevally, spotty, and sea urchins. Snorkeling, kayak and pedal boat hire are an additional cost.

Option 2: Dolphin Adventures - Swim with the Dolphins

On this the ultimate marine adventure aboard our water jet powered catamaran, you'll get right up close to the dolphins. Watch their antics and get fantastic photos. Conditions permitting, you can even go swimming with them. After your Dolphin Adventures, you'll have the added bonus of stopping off on beautiful Urupukapuka Island.

Option 3: Cape Brett 'Hole in the Rock' Cruise and Kerikeri Craft Tour

Board your luxury high speed catamaran and cruise the inner islands and out through game fishing waters en route to Cape Brett Lighthouse and the famous 'Hole in the Rock'. On returning to Paihia, join the Kerikeri Craft Tour, where you'll see New Zealand's oldest European buildings, the Stone Store and Kemp House. Set alongside these is Koroipo Pa (fortress) and Rewa's Village, a reconstructed Maori fishing village. The tour also visits local craft shops.

Option 4: Excitor 'Hole in the Rock' Adventure

The fastest way to experience the Bay of Islands is on board the Excitor, a unique open sea adventure vessel. Journey out to Cape Brett 'Hole in the Rock' and see some of Northland's finest maritime scenery, all in approximately one and a half hours. The Excitor gives you that extra buzz.

You have a choice of accommodation on this tour at Paihia, Bay of Islands. Please select your preference at time of booking between Premier, Standard or Home Stay options.

Additional Information