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Bay of Islands 2-Day Tour & Cruise from Auckland (hotel included)
5.0
3 Ratings
Auckland
Discover Bay of Islands with a guided tour and cruise from Auckland. Enjoy wildlife, cultural sites, and the famous Hole in the Rock.
Duration:
1 day, 12 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Auckland Central - Begin your tour in New Zealand’s largest city. As you depart, your guide will set the stage for your adventure and highlight some of the area’s top attractions.
- The Kauri Museum - Leaving Auckland, travel west through Dargaville, New Zealand’s kumara capital. The first stop is the Kauri Museum, where you will learn about New Zealand’s largest and most famous native tree.
- Tane Mahuta Walk - Due to important preservation efforts, access to Tāne Mahuta, the world’s largest living kauri tree, will be temporarily closed from September 30 for approximately 8 weeks. This project aims to protect the tree and surrounding area from kauri dieback. Although the Tāne Mahuta Walk will be closed, you will still pass through the stunning Waipoua Forest, where you can appreciate its serene beauty and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.
- Opononi - Take a lunch break at your own expense in the beachside settlement of Opononi, with views over the Hokianga Harbour. Opononi gained fame in the mid-1950s thanks to Opo, a tame dolphin known for its friendly antics.
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds - After enjoying the Hokianga Harbour, travel further north to Waitangi, the ‘birthplace of our nation,’ where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Enjoy a guided tour and cultural performance at New Zealand’s most significant historic site. Explore Māori heritage through interactive museums, traditional performances, and historic buildings, including the Treaty House and the beautifully carved Whare Rūnanga.
- Paihia - Arrive in the beachside town of Paihia, check into your hotel, and take a relaxing walk along the beach before ending the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
- Bay of Islands - After breakfast, embark on a magical cruise to explore the area’s extensive islands. During the cruise, guides will share the rich history and natural beauty of the Bay of Islands while you search for the marine life that makes these cruises famous. With some luck, you might spot playful dolphins and whales! The 4.5-hour cruise takes you on a scenic journey through the Bay of Islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula.
- Urupukapuka Island - No Bay of Islands cruise is complete without spending time at the beach on one of the islands. Stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where you can swim, stroll along the white sand beach, hike to the hilltop for scenic views over the entire Bay of Islands, or relax at the island’s fully licensed bar and café.
- Paihia - After a day in paradise, begin the journey south with a fully guided return trip to Auckland, featuring secret stops along the way.
- Auckland - Upon arrival in Auckland, your guide will drop you off at your hotel, marking the end of your Bay of Islands tour.
What's Included
- Water available & snacks provided
- Small Group and Fully Guided Tour
- 1 night in a 3 star Hotel
- Entry to Kauri Museum, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Cruise tickets
- Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
What's Not Included
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Additional Information
Immerse yourself in New Zealand’s natural wonders and rich heritage on this intimate small-group journey from Auckland to Paihia. Led by our passionate guides, you’ll explore:
Day 1 (Auckland to Paihia):
• Kauri Museum
• Waipoua Forest & Tāne Mahuta (largest living Kauri tree)
• Opononi Beach for lunch
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds
• Overnight accomodation in Paihia
Day 2 (Cruise & Return to Auckland):
• Bay of Islands Cruise from Paihia wharf
• Iconic Hole in the Rock
• Wildlife spotting opportunities
• Return to Auckland
Tour Highlights:
• Fully-guided small group tour
• Bay of Islands Cruise
• Hotel accommodation in Paihia
• Expert commentary from knowledgeable guides
• Exclusive stops and hidden gems
• Complimentary refreshments
- Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don’t have a car seat one can be provided (with 24 hours’ notice).
- Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties
Location
SkyCity Hotel Auckland
Victoria Street West
Please meet in front of the SkyCity Hotel doors , directly under the Sky Tower
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(3 Ratings)
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1 star
Tothzsuzsi
Sep 5, 2024
Islands bliss - Bay of islands is beautiful. Our guide was very friendly and the bus was very comfortable. Good to have a smaller group as it feels much personal.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Terihawaii
Mar 8, 2020
Awesome Tour! - The tour was just amazing. The sun was out, skies were blue and we were surrounded by the beautiful Pacific Ocean. With the “Motus” as landscape everything looked picture-perfect!
Our Cheeky driver/tour guide, Lance, was very kind, polite and entertaining. We enjoyed his many stories about the history of the land, it’s people and their customs.
Yes...I’d do it again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leanne
Mar 6, 2020
Bay of Islands and Lance - Wonderful Day!! Lance you make the tour absolutely fabulous!! Thank you for the stories, side trips and for making us laugh!
The Bay of Islands tour is beautiful. Lovely islands, nice lunch and stunning pictures.
Cheeky Kiwi is the best tour company in Auckland. Thank you again Lance for all that you do! We look forward to another adventure with you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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