Bay of Islands Journey: Sail, Snorkel & Explore in 5 Days
ID: GYG1138093-1764477
Category:
Country: New Zealand
Duration:
5 days
Description
Explore New Zealand’s North Island on a 5-day tour from Auckland. Cruise to the Poor Knights Islands, visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and relax on the beaches of Tutukaka.
Day 1: Auckland
Welcome to Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland)! Meet your guide and group at a welcome meeting at 6:00 PM. If you arrive early, explore the Auckland Sky Tower (New Zealand's tallest building with optional jump), Auckland War Memorial Museum, or the CBD. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your group to kick off the adventure.
Day 2: Auckland to Tutukaka
Start with breakfast at a local café before a scenic drive to Tutukaka (3.5 hours). Stop at the 26m-high Whangarei Falls for photos, then continue to Matapouri Beach to relax on soft sand and enjoy ocean sounds. Arrive in Tutukaka, a coastal city with world-famous beaches and coastline—rated one of the top three coastlines globally by National Geographic Traveller.
Day 3: Poor Knights Islands to Paihia
After breakfast, set off on a full-day cruise to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve. These 11-million-year-old volcanic islands feature spectacular drop-offs, walls, caves, arches, and tunnels with unique biodiversity. Enjoy sightseeing, kayaking, cave exploring, snorkeling, swimming, and sea mammal spotting. Visit Rikoriko Cave—the world's largest sea cave, accessible only by boat. Then, take a scenic drive to Paihia (1.5 hours) for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Paihia
Enjoy a full free day in Paihia, gateway to 140+ sub-tropical islands in the Bay of Islands. Optional activities include exploring coves and beaches, cruising through the natural rock archway (Hole in the Rock, NZD $160), scuba diving (NZD $369), dolphin watching, or skydiving. Your guide provides insider tips on activities and dining.
Day 5: Waitangi to Auckland
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn about New Zealand's history and Māori culture. See the world's largest carved waka (ceremonial war canoe) at 35m long. After lunch, take a scenic drive back to Auckland (3.5 hours) via Northland's east coast beaches. End your trip in Auckland in the late afternoon.
Highlights
- Cruise the Poor Knights Islands, a stunning marine reserve with rich biodiversity
- Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds and see the world’s largest carved waka canoe
- Admire Tutukaka’s coastline, voted among the world’s most beautiful by NatGeo
- Enjoy a free day in Paihia to dive, sail, swim or relax on pristine beaches
- Start and end your adventure in Auckland, exploring its vibrant food scene
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Welcome meeting at 6:00 PM on Day 1
Optional activities available at an additional cost
Trip ends in Auckland in the late afternoon on Day 5
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available in New Zealand
Gluten- and lactose-free diets are also well catered for in most restaurants
Oaks Auckland Hotel (formerly Nesuto Stadium Hotel), 40 Beach Road, Auckland, NEW ZEALAND
INCLUDED
- Meals - 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Transport - Private Vehicle, Boat
- Accommodation- Hotel (4 nights)
- Included activities
- Matapouri Beach - Visit
- Whangarei Falls - Visit
- Tutukaka - Poor Knights Islands Day Cruise
- Waitangi - Treaty Grounds
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
