TOUR 1011
Full Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Hawke’s Bay to Auckland
We set out on our summer adventure heading north as far as Auckland today and staying at the fabulous Waipuna Hotel.
Day 2: Auckland to Bay of Islands
We have a brief stop in pretty Warkworth for a cuppa and then it’s onward, over the Brynderwyn hills, and across Bream Bay to Whangarei for a lunch stop and a wander the few metres along the riverside to the spectacular new Hundertwasser Centre. After lunch we’re into the Far North and our first stop is at Kawakawa, home of the original Hundertwasser Toilets. Then it’s on to the wonderful Kingsgate Autolodge in Paihia, our base for the next 3 days right on the beachfront, in the heart of the Bay of Islands.
Day 3: Paihia & The Bay
This morning we walk to Marsden Wharf and board the ‘Dolphin Seeker’ to cruise through the bay and out to the famous ‘Hole-In-The-Rock’ where the open ocean meets us at Cape Brett. It’s very common to come across schools of Bottlenose Dolphins as we’re cruising and our crew will be keeping an eye out for them. We’ll have lunch on the stunning Urupukapuka Island where afterwards you can swim in the warm crystal-clear water of the bay, walk to the top of the island for panoramic views, or simply relax under the Pohutukawa or on the beach. We disembark at Russell on the way back and enjoy a guided tour of our country’s first capital before returning on the ferry to Paihia mid-afternoon to relax or explore. Dinner tonight is at the stunning Zane Grey’s
Day 4: Paihia
A FREE DAY of leisure today. Perhaps wander the Paihia Arts & Crafts Market on the Village Green or explore further along Marsden Rd to the beautiful stone church of St Pauls. Maybe grab some delicious fish & chips from Vinnies for lunch and enjoy them on the waterfront or visit the Paihia Library. If you enjoy a swim there are 3 excellent beaches within 10 minutes’ walk of the hotel or maybe just relax poolside. Tonight, we come together to enjoy an amazing dinner at the elegant Duke of Marlborough Hotel on the waterfront in Russell.
Day 5: Waimate & Waitangi
This morning we visit the first Mission Station established by Samuel Marsden at Waimate in 1832 and enjoy morning tea in the gardens. Later we stop for a picnic lunch by the beach at Waitangi before making our way to the magnificent Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Here a guide will show us around Hobson’s Bay and up to the Treaty Grounds themselves where there will be plenty of time to look through James Busby’s Treaty House and the very new museum dedicated to the 28th Māori Battalion. The views across the bay to Russell, Paihia and Opua from the giant Treaty Ground lawn are fabulous. Tonight, we dine at Kerren & Ken’s secret hideaway Chinese restaurant. Superb!
Day 6: Paihia to Doubtless Bay
We say farewell to Paihia this morning as we head north, firstly to Kerikeri to first visit the Old Packhouse Market, then on to the historic Stone Store and New Zealand’s oldest building, Kemp House. There’s so much to see around this complex. We then continue still further north to Doubtless Bay and our first stop in the district is lunch at the legendary Mangonui Fish Shop which sits out over the water. There’s time after lunch to explore this picture-perfect seaside settlement before we head a little further around the bay past Coopers Beach and Cable Bay to our new home at the lovely Taipa Beach Resort. With its palm trees, beachfront location and warm sea breezes it’s easy to imagine you’re in the Islands. We enjoy an al fresco BBQ dinner at the resort.
Day 7: Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach
We spend today taking the custom-built Dune Rider coach to the very northern tip of New Zealand, Cape Reinga. What a thrill to speed along the sands of Ninety Mile Beach and power through the streams and gullies around the giant sand dunes south of the Cape.
Day 8: Doubtless Bay
The memorable days continue. This morning we visit Gumdiggers Park dedicated to the legacy of the thousands who, more than a hundred years ago, came to the Far North to dig for the precious Kauri Gum. Set amidst a real former gumfield, the Park gives a fabulous insight into the lives of the gum diggers and the value of the Kauri Gum (or Amber) they extracted. Later we have the great privilege to enjoy the hospitality of The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs – sister property to The Farm at Cape Kidnappers. At Kauri Cliffs we’ll enjoy an exquisite lunch and a tour of the Lodge. Some free time back at our Resort will be welcome this afternoon, perhaps relax by the pool.
Day 9: Far North to Auckland
Today we begin our journey home stopping at the fascinating settlement of Waipu for lunch. Settled by Scots in the 1850’s, Caledonian Park in the centre of the town is home to famous Highland Games every New Years. After lunch there’s time to wander the town. Perhaps check out the excellent Museum. Then its on down to Auckland and a return to the Waipuna Hotel with time to relax or perhaps a gentle walk around the Panmure Basin.
Day 10: Auckland to Hawke’s Bay
Today we return home to Hawke’s Bay with wonderful memories of an amazing time in the North and perhaps a tan as well.
The Bay of Islands and the Far North can rightfully be considered foundational to our nation. It is where the New Zealand of today began to take shape. Places like Russell, Waitangi, Kerikeri, Doubtless Bay, Waimate and Paihia remain prominent in our country’s brief history. Add to this the wonderful sub-tropical climate of the region and the crystal-clear waters of the Bay of Islands and it’s obvious why this part of NZ is such a magnet for visitors.
Join us for the most comprehensive visit to the region that we’ve ever undertaken. Giving you the time to enjoy and savour the pace, the people and the primacy that is New Zealand’s Far North.
