8 Day Secluded Bay of Islands

Upon arrival at Auckland Airport you will collect your rental vehicle within the airport terminal. Make your way to your inner city accommodation where the day and night are free to spend at your leisure and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Tonight you will enjoy a dining experience like no other, high above Auckland at The Sugar Club, located in the Skytower.

Stay: Rydges Auckland

Meals: Deluxe Dinner Included

Today you will head over ‘The Harbour Bridge’ and say goodbye to New Zealand’s largest city to be greeted by Northland ‘The Winterless North’, famous for its gigantic kauri trees, Māori culture and its stunning beaches. En route you could visit the Kauri Museum to learn all about New Zealand’s most ancient tree and how its significance has developed over time (optional – extra cost). You will then visit Whangarei, the capital of the Northland region where you can view the stunning Whangarei Falls, known as the most photographed waterfall in New Zealand due to its ease of access, picturesque bush surrounds and guaranteed 365 day of the year flowing cascade.

From here you head north to Paihia, the hotspot of the well-known ‘Bay of Islands.' Tonight if you choose the gold option, you will enjoy a complimentary dinner at Glasshouse Kitchen & Bar, at Paihia Beach Resort & Spa.

Driving time: 227km, 3.5 hours driving

Stay: Sea Spray Suites Bay of Islands

Meals: Breakfast Included

This morning is free to explore the beautiful Bay of Islands. Perhaps enjoy a walk along the beautiful Paihia School Road Track through native bush to Opua Forest Lookout. Today you will take the short ferry (car or passenger) over to Romantic Russell for lunch at the beautiful Duke of Marlborough. Enjoy delicious food and a delightful ocean view. We recommend a wander around the very pleasant village of Russell, a visit to one or several of it's beautiful pohutukawa lined beaches and (if you go by car) a stop at the site of New Zealand's first capital!

This afternoon you will head out on the water, enjoying the Hole in the Rock Dolphin cruise. Here you will have stunning views as you sail around the Bay of Islands, visiting Rakaumangaanga Peninsula to Cape Brett. Here you will see Motukokako, the Hole in the Rock. You will have the chance to spot a number of marine wildlife, including dolphins and whales (included activity).

Stay: Sea Spray Suites Bay of Islands

Meals: Breakfast Included

North you go! Today you can check out the quaint seaside villages of Mangonui, Coopers Beach and Taipa in the stunning Doubtless Bay, before reaching the secluded beauty of the Carrington Peninsula and Carrington Estate, where you will stay for 2 nights. Upon arrival you will enjoy a tasting of wines produced by karikari Estate Winery, followed by a complimentary dinner at the resort's restaurant.

Driving Time: 112km, 1.5 hours driving

Stay: Carrington Estate

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included

Today you will reach the very Northern tip of Aotearoa/New Zealand! Stand at the top of the cliff and observe the Tasman Sea and Pacific Oceans meeting together in harmony. It is a beautiful sight.

Following this, head South back down the road and pull off at Giant Te Paki to see ginormous sand dunes. Here you can rent a boogie board and sandboard your way down these massive slopes. It is quite the thrill! Return to Carrington Lodge in the evening.

Alternatively, you have the option to relax at Carrington Estate. Laze about by the pool or perhaps play a round of golf at Carrington Estate's on site golf course (additional cost).

Driving Time: 275km, 4 hours return

Stay: Carrington Estate

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included

Today you will head South-West towards Opononi/Omapere where you will stay facing the Hokianga Harbour and it's massive sand dunes. This evening you will be taken on a tour hosted by local Māori who will take you into the Waipoua Forest to see Tane Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere - 2 of Aotearoa's largest and most majestic trees. Learn of the significance of these trees to the Māori people as day turns in to night in this breath-taking forest.

Driving Time: 172km, 2 hours 15 mins

Stay: The Heads Hokianga Harbour

Meals: Breakfast Included

Today you will drive through Waipoua Forest where you will have another opportunity to see the impressive kauri trees by day on one of several forest walks in the area. New Zealand only has around 1 percent of its beautiful Kauri trees remaining and they can only be seen in the Northern part of the North Island. Heading South to Auckland down the west coast through Dargaville, you arrive in the’ City of Sails’ in the afternoon/evening.

Driving Time: 256km, 3.5 hours driving

Stay: Rydges Auckland

Meals: Breakfast Included

Today you will transfer to Auckland Airport for your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you've had an excellent time in New Zealand and wish you safe travels to your next destination.

Onward flight not included.

Meals: Breakfast Included