Explore the natural beauty and the historical and cultural significance of New Zealand's North Island on this 4-day Bay of Islands trip from Auckland. You'll spend a night on board a luxurious catamaran, travel to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northernmost point, and visit a legendary kauri forest, one of the great natural highlights of New Zealand.
See the great outdoors of New Zealand’s North Island on this 4-day Bay of Island trip from Auckland. First, you’ll board a comfortable motor-coach in Auckland and travel to the tiny resort town of Paihia. From there, you’ll head to the town of Opua and board the luxurious, four-story catamaran. As you cruise through the Bay of Islands, you’ll learn about the historical and cultural significance of the Bay of Islands while enjoying the amenities of this fully apportioned luxury vessel. Snorkel, swim or kayak near the 144 islands of the bay, and dine on delicious gourmet meals prepared fresh in the catamaran’s galley.
The following morning watch the sun rise from the privacy of your own sea-view state room, then enjoy breakfast in the catamaran’s restaurant that offers indoor/outdoor dining. On return to Paihia, you will be transferred to your hotel where you will stay for the next two nights. The rest of your day is free to explore the lovely resort town of Paihia.
On day three, you’ll board a coach and travel to the legendary Puketi forest, where giant kauri trees, sacred to the Maori people, tower in solid, sylvan silence. You’ll move among their trunks through a series of walkways before returning to the coach and continuing to Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of New Zealand. Here you will see the Pacific Ocean collide with the Tasman Sea. In support of New Zealand’s conservation program, you will have the opportunity to purchase a tree to plant. After Cape Reinga, you’ll head to Ninety Mile Beach. This stretch of coastline is known for its rough roads and austere, rugged beauty. For the adventurous, there’s sand-boarding atop the massive dunes that flank the beach. Or you can relax and enjoy the scenery. Your day concludes back at your Paihia hotel.
The next morning, you have a little more time to eat breakfast in Paihia and wander the town before boarding the coach for the ride back to Auckland.
