Beyond Your Travel

Bay of Islands 2-Day Tour & Cruise from Auckland (hotel included)

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Duration

1.5 days

Group Size

1 to 15 people

Ages

0 - 99 yrs

Languages

English

Tour Overview

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 (twin share, if you would like to upgrade to single share please let us know) • Expert commentary from knowledgeable guides • Exclusive stops and hidden gems • Complimentary refreshments

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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

Pickup

PICKUP TIME: 6:25am. Please meet in front of the SkyCity Hotel doors, directly under the Sky Tower. Kindly select this location if your accommodation is not yet booked. We can change this later! - Time zone: Pacific/Auckland

Hotel Pick ups start 15 minutes before the tour time. Please check your pick up time in tour information to ensure you do not miss your pickup. You will be picked up in a minibus with Cheeky Kiwi Travel sign-writing on it. No refunds given for no show passengers.

What's included

Water available & snacks provided

Small Group and Fully Guided Tour

1 night twin share in a 3 star hotel

Entry to Kauri Museum, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Cruise tickets

Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person

Dinner

Breakfast

Lunch

Itinerary

Stop 1:

Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.

Stop 2: 0.5 hours

Exiting Auckland, we travel west and follow the road through the kumara capital of New Zealand, Dargaville. Our first stop sees us visiting the Kauri Museum, to understand the remarkable story of New Zealand’s largest and most famous native tree.

Stop 3: 0.3 hours

Due to exciting 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 is part of a vital project to protect the tree and surrounding area from the risk of kauri dieback. While the Tāne Mahuta Walk will be closed, we will still pass through the breathtaking Waipoua Forest, where you can enjoy its serene beauty and learn about the ongoing efforts to protect these natural wonders for future generations.

Stop 4: 0.5 hours

Enjoy a lunch break at your own cost in the beachside settlement of Opononi with views over the Hokianga Harbour. Opononi was made famous in the mid 1950s by the tame dolphin Opo, who delighted visitors with its friendly antics.

Stop 5: 1.5 hours

After enjoying the Hokianga Harbour, we journey further north towards the ‘birthplace of our nation’, Waitangi, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Here we will be treated to a complete guided tour and cultural performance at Aotearoa New Zealand’s most important historic site. Explore New Zealand’s Māori heritage through interactive museums, traditional performances and historic buildings, including the Treaty House and the beautifully carved Whare Rūnanga.

Stop 6: 8 hours

Arrive in the beachside town of Paihia and check into your hotel, before taking a relaxing walk along the beach and ending the day with dinner at a local restaurant.

Stop 7: 4 hours

After breakfast, we embark on a magical cruise to explore the area’s extensive islands. During the cruise, the guides will share the rich history and natural beauty of the Bay of Islands while we search for the marine life that makes these cruises so famous. With a bit of luck, we might spot some playful doplphins and whales for you to enjoy! The cruise runs for 4.5 hours, taking your on a scenic journey through the Bay of Islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula.

Stop 8: 1 hours

No Bay of Islands cruise is complete without spending some time at the beach on one of the islands. We’ll be stopping at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where you can swim, stroll along the white sand beach, hike to the top of the hill for scenic views over the entire Bay of Islands, or simply relax at the island’s fully licensed bar and café.

Stop 9: 5 hours

Sadly after this day in paradise we must start to head south again but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland with secret stops along the way.

Stop 10:

As we arrive back into Auckland, our guide will drop you off to your hotel, marking the end of your Bay of Islands tour with us.

FAQ

Can I get the refund?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Min 1 days: 100%
From 0 to 1 days: 0%

Tickets

Adult (15 - 99 years)

Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15

Children (4 - 14 years)

Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15

Infant (0 - 3 years)