3 Day Bay of Islands Leisurely – Economy Coach Tour
$799*
PER PERSON
Description
Come on an inviting journey of discovery from Auckland to the majestic Bay of Islands. Over 3 days you will be wowed by enjoying some of the best scenery and activities the top tier of New Zealand has to offer.
Beginning in Auckland, we will be taking you on a journey of discovery to the northernmost tip of New Zealand.
Inclusions
- Transport
- 2 nights accommodation
- Transfers within journey
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Cape Reinga Day Tour including 90 Mile Beach
- Hole in the Rock/Dolphin Cruise
Other Information
Duration
- 3 Days (2) nights
Departure
- Reporting time 7.30 am at the Sky City Coach Terminal. Departs at 8.00 am EVERY DAY.
Flexible Itineraries
All our New Zealand coach tours can be adapted to your individual specifications. If a tour does not entirely suit you, we can provide a personalised coach touring holiday that fits you like a glove. All you need to do is let us know what you want to do, and we will organise it for you.
Transfers Included
Transfers are included between your accommodation and transport on the Tour. If you need to we can book your pre-tour arrangements or you can make your own way to the Tour departure location.
Daily Departures
The tours operate every day and use routine train, ferry and motor coach services. All hotel, motel accommodation, transportation and essential sightseeing are pre-arranged for you.
Are meals included on your Tours?
Hotel and Motel accommodation on the tour are not inclusive of meals. There are many local restaurants and cafe’s from which you can sample, for your dining pleasure. Breakfast options are available to you and these can be provided on enquiry with your consultant.
Is there a Tour Guide travelling with us on the trip?
As you will be travelling independently, on scheduled coach and rail services, this is an unescorted tour. Unless otherwise stated your tour drivers will provide commentary for you to enjoy while you relax in comfort.
Can you tell me the difference between Silver and Bronze accommodation.
With Silver accommodation your stay will be in selected hotels or motor inns that are centrally located. They have a selection of bars and restaurants for your perusal, and deluxe rooms with the facilities expected of superior accommodation. With Bronze accommodation your stay will be in motels or hotels centrally located at your destination. Some of the motel accommodation will provide kitchen facilities, TV, radio etc.
Do I have to carry my own bags or will somebody do it for me?
With Gold and Silver hotels accommodation a porter will be able to assist you with your bags. Bronze accommodation does not have porters, but should you need assistance your driver will be happy to help.
I am travelling alone but I do not want to pay the single room supplement. Can you find me a roommate?
Regrettably we are unable to match you up with another traveller as the occurrence of another person travelling on the same tour with the same dates and class as you is extremely unlikely.
Auckland - Bay of Islands - Paihia - Cape Reinga - Paihia - Cruise - Bay of Islands - Auckland
Auckland - Bay of Islands
In the morning board your Great Sights coach to the Bay of Islands. Leaving Auckland City, travel over the Harbour Bridge, spanning the Waitemata Harbour, to the cities and suburbs of the North Shore, then quickly into farming and orchard country around Albany.
The beach resorts of the Hibiscus Coast, including Orewa and thermal Waiwera, lead to the small rural communities of Warkworth and Wellsford. We scale Pilbrows Hill and from the summit there are impressive views over Bream Bay, which we drive past to reach the city of Whangarei. This is the centre for the country’s oil refinery and boasts golden beaches and marinas for ocean-going yachts.
The countryside you are entering was once covered in kauri forests and is now either open farmland or exotic pine plantations. This rolling downland takes us through to Kawakawa. Here we turn towards the coast for the short drive to Opua, the port for the Bay of Islands, and then on to Paihia, arriving approximately 12.00 noon. Upon arrival in Paihia you will enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where New Zealand’s founding document was signed between Maori Chiefs and the British.
Upon conclusion of your guided tour your coach will transfer you to your accommodation. Please reconfirm with the driver this drop off and where you are staying.
The afternoon is at your leisure.
Paihia - Cape Reinga - Paihia
Discover Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach with Lunch
Pick up from Bay of Islands Hotel, Paihia at 7:15 a.m.
Drop off to Bay of Islands Hotel, Paihia at 6:15 p.m.
In the morning your coach will pick you up at your accommodation.
Soon after leaving Paihia you travel north and stop at the Puketi Kauri Forest, where you have time to walk amongst the native bush and giant kauris. You then travel across undulating hill country to reach Kaeo and some glimpses of the idyllic Coopers, Cable and Taipa beaches.
At Awanui you turn north, and from this point on your journey depends upon the tides. If you follow the road you will reach Houhoura and then the extensive Parengarenga Harbour is to your right before you reach Waitiki Landing and, soon after, Cape Reinga. There is time to leave the coach and to walk down past the lighthouse for views of this mystical area where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea, and Maori folklore decrees that the spirits of the deceased leave this earthly existence.
On the return journey you will leave the road at Te Paki and follow the stream down to the beach. Then an exhilarating drive along 90 Mile Beach to Waipapakauri where you leave the ocean behind and rejoin the roading system.
A picnic lunch is included on your day excursion. Regular stops are made for sightseeing and refreshments and, time permitting, on the return journey a stop is made at a fruit stall in Kerikeri where purchases can be made of seasonal frui
Cruise - Bay of Islands - Auckland
In the morning you will be met at your accommodation by a representative from Fullers Bay of Islands and will be transferred to the Maritime Building to connect with your morning cruise. Please take your luggage with you. Fullers Bay of Islands will hold your luggage in their luggage area whilst you are out on your excursion.
Bay of Islands Cruise
Leaving Paihia Wharf at 9.00 a.m. your fast, sleek catamaran glides across the blue waters of the beautiful Bay of Islands, visiting secluded bays and coves. Take a glimpse into New Zealand’s earliest European history as your luxury catamaran passes by the township of Russell (Kororareka) and many of the historic and culturally significant islands in the Bay, before heading out into open sea.
Enjoy the views as you cruise past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before arriving at the stunning Motukokako Island, home of the majestic Hole in the Rock. As we venture into the dramatic Hole in the Rock (conditions permitting) – hold your breath as the skipper navigates through the narrow space and admire the rock walls which soar above you. Watch out for water drops if you’re seated on the top deck! Take in the Grand Cathedral Cave before heading back into the sheltered waters of the Bay. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins along the way.
As your catamaran docks at the historic Otehei Bay, on Urupukapuka Island, enjoy the white sandy beach, picturesque views and its rich archaeological landscape.
Upon your arrival back at the wharf please collect your luggage from the Fullers Bay of Islands Desk and make your way to the front of the Maritime Building to connect with your coach back to Auckland, remembering the final reporting time for your Intercity Coach is 15 minutes prior to the departure time shown.
Paihia to Auckland
Pick up from Maritime Building, Paihia at 1:35 p.m.
Drop off to Sky City Coach Terminal, Auckland at 5:45 p.m.
In the afternoon join your Intercity Coach for the return journey to Auckland.
We leave the Bay behind and head south through country once dense in native bush, particularly the giant kauri tree. Most of the land is now clear for farming as well as large expanses of exotic pine. You’ll probably spot some of New Zealand’s 50 million-odd sheep if you look carefully! Whangarei is the only city in North Auckland and boasts golden beaches, ocean-going yachts, and the country’s largest oil refinery out by the harbour heads at Marsden Point.
South of Whangarei you’ll drive past Bream Bay before scaling Pilbrows Hill, which offers impressive views from the summit. The drive to Auckland takes you through many small rural communities including Warkworth and Wellsford. Your first taste of Auckland is the North Shore, suburbs built around the western beaches of the Hauraki Gulf. Rangitoto Island is a recent addition to the seascape having erupted out of the ocean only a few hundred years ago.
Arrive Auckland city in the early evening.
| Bronze Accommodation | Silver Accommodation | Gold Accommodation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | NZ $1,069.00 | NZ $1,229.00 | NZ $1,359.00 |
| Twin Share | NZ $799.00 | NZ $859.00 | NZ $919.00 |
| Prices valid until 30 September 2020. Prices quoted are per person and are room only. Prices do not include meals. |
