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Auckland to Hokianga and Bay of Islands 3 Day TourExperience some of the most beautiful landscapes New Zealand has to offer, throw in an amazing and authentic Maori Cultural Experience, see some of the world’s greatest trees and experience the world-famous Bay of Islands – all from/to Auckland in a Private Luxury Tour away from the crowds!
ITINERARY:
Private Tour Day 1: Auckland to Hokianga and Waipoua Forest
We collect you at your Auckland city accommodation at 10am (we suggest this time since it will be a long day for you including the evening tour below) and drive north throughlovely countryside with rolling hills and typical New Zealand farmland.
Along the way, we visit the wonderful Kauri Museum in Matakohe (www.kaurimuseum.co.nz), which has many very interesting exhibits about colonial New Zealand and allows you to learn about some of the world’s greatest trees that you are about to see later that evening!
We drive along the largest natural harbour in the southern hemisphere on the way to Dargaville, “The Kumara (Sweet Potato) Capital of NZ”. Here we will stop briefly outside the Dargaville Museum, so you can see the original masts from the famous Greenpeace ship “The Rainbow Warrior”, which was sunk in Auckland harbour in 1985.
- We drive through the amazing Waipoua Forest in daylight and arrive in Opononi on the shores of the stunning Hokianga Harbour.
- Enjoy an early dinner before departing on the Footprints Waipoua Twilight Encounter Tour.
- Located on Northlands rugged West Coast, let Kupe’s (NZ’s first discoverer) descendants take you on a night guided walk.
- Friendly, experienced local Māori guides willingly share their knowledge, stories, song and the playing of musical instruments to enlighten and enhance this tranquil and spiritual location.
- Stand before some of the world’s largest trees Tane Mahuta (God of the forest) and Te Matua Ngahere (Lord of the forest) and learn about their very special significance to Maori.
Accommodation in Hokianga with a million dollar view of the harbour mouth of the stunning Hokianga Harbour.
Private Tour Day 2: Hokianga and the Bay of Islands
After breakfast, leave the beautiful Hokianga Harbour to drive across Northland. When arriving in the Bay of Islands at around lunchtime, board a cruise to see the very best of the Bay of Islands including the famous Hole in the Rock and possibly some Dolphins and Whales that call this area home. Depending on sea conditions, you can also book as an option a Swim with the Dolphins for a once-in-a-lifetime experience with these amazing animals.
See the biggest of the islands in the bay and have a short stroll around the farmland and beaches.
Arrive back in Paihia and take a stroll along Paihia’s lovely harbour. Finish the day with a nice bottle of wine in one of the several romantic restaurants in this area. Or take a passenger ferry across to romantic Russell with its lovely restaurants
before taking the ferry back to Paihia for a well-deserved rest.
Private Tour Day 3: Bay of Islands back to Auckland & stunning East Coast
Start off your last day of the tour with a nice breakfast before a visit to the historic Waitangi Treaty House, set in rolling lawns and gardens overlooking the turquoise waters of the Bay of Islands – the place where Governor Hobson and the Paramount Chiefs of Aotearoa (New Zealand) signed the document which formed our bi-cultural nation in 1840.
Visit Te Tii, New Zealand’s most famous Marae, or meeting place, where every year on Waitangi Day (February 6) the Prime Minister, the chiefs of Maoridom and the people of Aotearoa New Zealand meet to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Below the Treaty House and the Marae near the water’s edge lies Ngatokimatawhaorua, the huge, beautifully carved waka of the Ngapuhi Iwi who are the tangata whenua or local people here.
Then we slowly make our way back towards Auckland, which is only a 3-hour drive away. This way takes you past lush agricultural land, stands of beautiful native bush and a coastline which boasts some of the world’s most stunning beaches.
Stop at the iconic Hundertwasser toilets at Kawakawa – a living piece of art created by the world-famous Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who spent the last years of his life near Kawakawa.
Just south of Kawakawa we pass the Kawiti Caves. Here you have the opportunity to go underground to see pure white limestone formations as you follow networks of Stalactites and Stalagmites to hidden chambers with Glowworms that light up the roof of the cave in some places. They are a great addition for those who are unable to see the famous Waitomo Caves south of Auckland.
Further south we drive along Bream Bay with its glorious white sandy beaches and views across to the volcanic islands Marotini and Taranga (The Hen and Chicken Islands), as well as the aptly-named Sail Rock.
We then continue on towards Auckland via Whangarei, Northland’s largest town, and the Brynderwyn Ranges, from where it is only about an hour until Auckland and its iconic landmark the Skytower appears on the horizon. A short time later we drop you off at your Auckland accommodation (or the airport?) after a wonderful 3 days exploring someof the most beautiful and culturally significant places in New Zealand in the “Winterless North”.
All our Private Tours include pick up and drop off at your Auckland city accommodation, our comprehensive, expert and friendly guiding during your tour, as well as an extensive picnic lunch on day 1 plus snacks and hot/cold drinks for you to enjoy.
Prices for our Private Auckland to Hokianga and Bay of Islands
Private 3 Day Tours:
5+ people NZ$735 each
4 people NZ$885 each
3 people NZ$1035 each
2 people NZ$1425 each
Please contact us if you have any special requirements – we are always happy to fit in with your plans to ensure you have “the TIME of your life!”
P.S: Please note that for all our Private Tours from Auckland, you also have the option of booking 1-day or multi-day Private Tours to other stunning destinations such as the Coromandel Peninsula, Waitomo Caves and Rotorua. Please ask us and we’ll be able to advise you, since we know both Auckland and New Zealand exceptionally well and can arrange itineraries, tour options and accommodation to cater to your individual needs.
Please email us for larger groups, which we can price individually.
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