Bay of Islands Deluxe 3 Day Tour
3 days starting in Auckland
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New Zealand tour itinerary name and information
Thrifty Tours

Bay of Islands Deluxe 3 Day Tour

Enjoy tropical Northland and the Bay of Islands, including cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock, explore beautiful Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach and experience the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Tour summary and feature

About this NZ Road Trip

Seat-in-Coach Touring

This suggested tour costs from NZD$905 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Auckland, finishes in Auckland

3 days/2 nights

Hotel 4 star

 Customisable? YES

 Viewed 5 times in the last 7 days

Also included in this package
- Private Transfer from Paihia to Copthorne with Bay of Islands Tours
- Private Transfer from Copthorne to Paihia with Bay of Islands Tours (x 2)
- Private Transfer from Hole in the Rock to Copthorne with Bay of Islands Tours
2 breakfasts, 1 lunch
price pp from
Was NZD$955

Now NZD$905

twin share/double
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Tour full itinerary
Detailed itinerary for this New Zealand Road Trip

Day 1 - Auckland to Bay of Islands and cruise to famous Hole in the Rock

Bay of Islands Deluxe 3 Day Tour - Day 1
Auckland to Paihia by InterCity Coach

Heading north to the Bay of Islands takes you along the coast road past the seaside villages of Orewa and Waiwera. Then its on to the township of Puhoi, New Zealand's only Bohemian settlement, then Warkworth and the harbour side city of Whangarei and the unique township of Kawakawa. Arriving into the sub tropical Bay of Islands you are greeted with bush clad hillsides dropping to golden sand beaches. Paihia is the main tourist centre in the bay and has a great beach side atmosphere.

Private Transfer from Paihia to Copthorne with Bay of Islands Tours

You will be picked up by Bay of Island Tours from Paihia and brought to your accommodation in Copthorne.

Bay of Islands (Paihia)

Paihia is considered the capital of the Bay of Islands. The town and surrounding area played a key role in shaping the history of New Zealand. Not long after Cook sailed into the bay in 1769, whaling and sealing ships began to arrive in numbers and ignite the inevitable conflict of two cultures.  The bustling tourist centre teems with cafes and shops and its here you will find an abundance of activities to keep you occupied.
Things to do:
  - See dolphins
  - Boat excursion around the islands
  - Cruise to the hole in the rock
  - Explore the historic buildings of Russell
  - Guided tour of Waitangi
  - Marlin fishing
  - Kayaking in the harbour
  - Day excursion to Cape Reinga with Dune Rider

Private Transfer from Copthorne to Paihia with Bay of Islands Tours

You will be picked up by Bay of Island Tours from your accommodation in Copthorne and brought to Paihia.

Hole in the Rock Cruise with Fullers GreatSights

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’. According to Māori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before departing for battle. Drops of water from the cave roof above were a good omen. 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. The purpose-built catamaran is licensed by DOC (the Department of Conservation) for dolphin viewing and the crew have years of experience locating dolphins in these waters. Dolphin Seeker has indoor and outdoor seating available, and the largest outdoor viewing decks in the Bay of Islands.

Private Transfer from Hole in the Rock to Copthorne with Bay of Islands Tours

You will be picked up at the Hole in the Rock cruise by Bay of Island Tours and dropped off at your accommodation in Copthorne.

Your accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands is located within the Waitangi Treaty grounds, surrounded by native bush and the beautiful Bay of Islands Harbour.

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Day 2 - Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach Experience

Bay of Islands Deluxe 3 Day Tour - Day 2
Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Tour

Journey to the very tip of the North Island and uncover a region of rich Māori tradition along the way on an unforgettable full-day tour. Travel along the sand-swept shore of Ninety Mile Beach in our purpose-built coach. Climb the massive sand dunes at Te Paki Stream and experience the thrill of sand-boarding. In Māori tradition, Cape Reinga or Te Rerenga Wairua is the place where spirits depart on their long journey back to the homeland. Stand at the northernmost point of New Zealand and drink in the panoramic views. As you stand beneath the iconic lighthouse, and watch the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean collide far below, you'll feel the power of this special place. Throughout the day your local driver guide will provide an entertaining and thought-provoking insight into the culture, history and natural wonders of the Far North. Your tour also includes a delicious locally prepared lunch to keep you fuelled throughout the day.

Your accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands is located within the Waitangi Treaty grounds, surrounded by native bush and the beautiful Bay of Islands Harbour.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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Day 3 - Explore Historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds then return to Auckland

Bay of Islands Deluxe 3 Day Tour - Day 3
Waitangi Treaty Grounds Guided Tour and Cultural Performance

Waitangi is one of New Zealand's most historic sites where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the local Maori and the British Government. This two day pass allows you access to the Treaty of Waitangi Grounds and includes admission to the Te Kōngahu Museum and Te Rau Aroha Museum and a Maori Cultural performance. During your guided tour, you'll learn about the history of the treaty and discover the stories and events that shaped New Zealand. The cultural performance inside the carved meeting house includes waiata (singing), poi, a display of Maori weaponry and the haka - a war dance New Zealand is well known for.

Private Transfer from Copthorne to Paihia with Bay of Islands Tours

You will be picked up by Bay of Island Tours from your accommodation in Copthorne and brought to Paihia.

Paihia to Auckland by InterCity Coach

Leaving the magical Bay of Islands behind you head south on State Highway 1 back towards Auckland, the city of sails, the route takes you through Kawakawa, affectionately known as 'train town'. The farming regions of Wellsford and Warkworth accompany you the rest of the journey before passing through the suburbs of the North Shore and crossing the harbour bridge and into the heart of Auckland City.

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