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72 hours
Mobile ticket
This comprehensive 3-day tour of the Bay of Islands is ideal for the first time visitor to New Zealand. With natural beauty, rocky islets and pristine beaches, the Bay of Islands is the water playground of the North Island. Learn about Maori culture, travel to the northernmost point of New Zealand and take a cruise through the famous "Hole in the Rock".
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Independent touring - this is not a group tour - we use local suppliers & you will have a different coach & driver each day.
Please note that the coach from Auckland to Paihia and return is an intercity coach (full size tour coach, however, with little to no commentary)
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Russell township tour
Commentary by local guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off from Auckland
Hole in the Rock' Cruise (weather permitting)
Transportation by air-conditioned coach
Lunch
2-nights accommodation in the Bay of Islands
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Kingsgate Hotel or similar
Paihia
Depart from Auckland City Centre and make your way to the township of Paihia. Along the way, see the Auckland Harbour Bridge, the golden sand beaches of the Hibiscus Coast, and the Northern City of Whangarei.
Russell
This afternoon you will take the ferry from Paihia to Russell where at 1.00 pm you will join a sightseeing tour of this historic township.
enjoy a cruise to Cape Brett and Piercy Island and discover the Bay’s highlights from the water. Sea conditions permitting travel through the cavernous Hole in the Rock and marvel at what nature has created. Spot dolphins frolicking, seals and more. Returned to Paihia late afternoon.
Kingsgate Hotel or similar
LUNCH
Lunch
Manginangina Kauri Walk
Today you will travel even further north and make a visit to the beautiful Puketi Kauri Forest and get close to majestic giant kauri trees and native bush. Walk along a specially built walkway while giant trees surround you.
Ninety Mile Beach
Travel along the aptly named 90 mile beach as waves crash beside your custom-built coach. You'll make a number of stops along this journey (weather depending) as you continue on north.
Cape Reinga
Arrive at the northernmost tip of New Zealand and look out over the vast ocean at Cape Reinga. Visit the iconic lighthouse and see the point where the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean meet. After you will also enjoy a delicious lunch (included) on the tour and a stop will be made at a local museum. Your tour will return to Paihia in the early evening.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
This morning you will visit and have a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds the site of the historic treaty between the Māori and European pioneers. View a magnificent Māori meeting house and large war canoe.
Auckland Central
Early afternoon transferred back to the wharf in Paihia to join your coach returning to Auckland. Late afternoon arrive in Auckland you will be transferred to your central city accommodation at which time your tour will conclude.
3-Day Bay of Islands Trip from Auckland in a single room
Pickup included
3-Day Bay of Islands Trip from Auckland in twin share accommodation
Pickup included
3-Day Bay of Islands Trip from Auckland in triple share accommodation
Pickup included
38 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Malcolm W,
Apr 11, 2025
- Viator
Excellent content. Varied, full experience - cruise, bus tour to Cape Reinga and guided tour of Waitangi Treaty Ground
Georgina M,
Mar 24, 2025
- Viator
Bay of Islands is beautiful. Russell is such a pretty town. The bus up was 30 mins late and there is no time factored in for lunch after leaving Auckland at such an early hour. It was not in the itinerary that we would spend over 2 hrs on the beach which was very disappointing as I had not brought swimwear. On the return to Auckland the bus again was 30 mins late and there was no pickup taxi waiting. This wasn't too much of a problem for me because my hotel was nearby but I would be an issue if your hotel was further away. While the scenery was beautiful if I was to do this trip again I would organise it myself.
jacolien w,
Jan 10, 2025
- Viator
Easy to follow the program . You experience all the highlights of The Bay Of Islands Very good spot to go see The hotel was excellent with a nice view
Fiona C,
Sep 3, 2024
- Viator
I totally enjoyed the whole experience. The hotel I stayed in was excellent and the people were very kind.. I was very lucky the weather was so good the day tour around the Bay of Islands. X
Carol G,
Mar 3, 2024
- Viator
Busy trip, but a good trip. They organized it well.Everything went according to plan. Really enjoyed the Hole in Rock cruise and saw pod of dolphins putting on a show for us.
Operated by Leisure Tours