Bay of Islands Ultimate 4 Day Deluxe Tour
4 days starting in Auckland
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New Zealand tour itinerary name and information
Thrifty Tours

Bay of Islands Ultimate 4 Day Deluxe Tour

This full Bay of Islands experience involves Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach plus the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. A dolphin cruise to the Hole in the Rock is included as well as exploration of historic township of Russell.

Tour summary and feature

About this NZ Road Trip

Seat-in-Coach Touring

This suggested tour costs from NZD$1,029 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Auckland, finishes in Auckland

4 days/3 nights

Hotel 4 star

 Customisable? YES

 Viewed 10 times in the last 7 days

Also included in this package
- Shuttle Transfer between Paihia Coach Depot to Copthorne
- Shuttle Transfer - Paihia Accommodation to Coach Depot
3 breakfasts, 1 lunch
price pp from

NZD$1,029

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 including Waitangi tour

Bay of Islands Ultimate 4 Day Deluxe 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.

Shuttle Transfer - between Paihia Coach Depot and Copthorne Hotel

On arrival, you will be met by a Total Tours representative. If your transfer has not arrived within 5 minutes of the designated pick up time, please phone the number provided and get them to locate the pre-booked transfer for you.

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.

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 - Dune Rider Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach day tour

Bay of Islands Ultimate 4 Day Deluxe 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 - Hole in the Rock Cruise

Bay of Islands Ultimate 4 Day Deluxe Tour - Day 3
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.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - R. Tucker Thompson Full Day Sailing

Experience the Bay of Islands the old-fashioned way with a cruise on the R. Tucker Thompson, a traditional gaff-rigged schooner with her own unique history. On the Full Day Sail, be as active as you like – take the helm, help set the sails, ride the bowsprit and climb the rigging – or simply relax while the crew command this impressive ship as she sails across the Bay. During your sail, the crew will share some of the rich history of the area with you. Step ashore and explore a secluded island or take a swim while your barbeque lunch is prepared.
About the R. Tucker Thompson - Built from 1970-1985, the R. Tucker Thompson’s design is based on the halibut schooners of the North West American coast. With a lofty rig of varnished oregon spars, Kwila decks and bulwarks and brasswork features, she looks the part of a 19th century working ship: purposeful and square-shouldered, but fast enough to out-run the law!

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

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Day 4 - Explore historic Rusell then travel back to Auckland

Bay of Islands Ultimate 4 Day Deluxe Tour - Day 4
Shuttle Transfer - Paihia Accommodation to Coach Depot

Today you will be met by a Total Tours representative and will be transferred to the Paihia Intercity Coach Depot.If your transfer has not arrived within 5 minutes of the designated pick up time, please phone the number provided and get them to locate the pre-booked transfer for you.

Russell Mini Tour with Fullers GreatSights

Known until the early 1840s as Kororāreka, Russell was the first town and sea port in New Zealand. The Bay of Islands offered a safe anchorage and by the 1830s Russell had become a lawless trading centre where whalers, seafarers and merchants mixed with adventurers, deserters and escaped convicts from Australia. Today the town once called the “Hell Hole of the Pacific” is a charming and tranquil spot. This intimate one-hour coach tour visits many of Russell’s iconic locations that make it so significant in New Zealand’s early history. Your tour will be led by an engaging guide whose combination of historical knowledge and local insight will bring the culture and history of the area to life.

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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