3 Day Bay Of Islands Tour including a Dolphin Cruise and Cape Reinga Trip from Auckland

Auckland to Paihia including Waitangi Treaty Grounds with GreatSights

Your journey into the 'winterless North' begins as you cross over the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge. Along the way your driver guide will keep you informed and entertained, pointing out sites of interest as you drive through rolling farmland and lush native forest into the Northland region. Take a brief morning tea break in Kaiwaka, your tour continues past Whangarei and through Kawakawa before arriving at the seaside town of Paihia. You'll have the rest of your day at leisure to explore the village and relax.
On arrival in the Bay of Islands visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a guided tour of the historic place where in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Māori and the British Crown. Explore the original Treaty House, one of New Zealand's oldest and most visited historic homes and Te Whare Runanga, a fully carved Maori meeting house, which is representative of all iwi in New Zealand. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds offer a truly unique insight into New Zealand's early history. You'll have the rest of your day at leisure to explore Paihia and relax.

Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach Day Tour with Great Sights

Uncover the wild beauty of this vast and untouched region of New Zealand that is rich in Māori culture and tradition. As you travel north, enjoy a taste of the varying and beautiful landscape: the rolling hills of Northland's rural countryside, breath-taking coastal views and native forest. Your driver will take you along Ninety Mile Beach, where you will see the waves crash beside the coach. You will have the choice to experience the thrill of sand-boarding. You will also visit the Puketi Kauri Forest and explore Cape Reinga.

Drive along the sand on Ninety Mile Beach as the waves crash beside the custom-built coach. Feel the sand between your toes as you help your driver guide dig for shellfish (conditions permitting). Your off-road journey continues up Te Paki Stream, stopping at the massive sand dunes where you can experience the thrills and spills of sand-boarding. Clambering up and surfing down the dunes (if you dare!) is sure to get your heart pumping.

Visit the Puketi Kauri Forest and get up close to ancient and majestic giant kauri trees and native bush. Stroll along an elevated walkway as these graceful giants surround you, and learn about conservation efforts to preserve the forest today. Visit Cape Reinga and hear the stories of this significant site where, according to Māori legend, spirits depart on their journey home to Hawaiki. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views, visit the iconic lighthouse, and see the point where the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean come crashing together.

During your Cape Reinga tour, you'll also experience another Kiwi icon: a lunch of delicious fresh fish and chips at the historic Wagener Museum at Houhora. A vegetarian option is available and can be selected when booking.

Your journey home will be equally enjoyable as your tour guide's combination of local insight, extensive historical knowledge and fantastic sense of humour create an unforgettable adventure.

Getting from Paihia accommodation to the Wharf

This 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.

Hole in the Rock Cruise

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.

Paihia to Auckland with GreatSights

Enjoy a relaxing sightseeing tour from Paihia to Auckland. The afternoon departure time allows you to spend a full day in the beautiful Bay of Islands before returning to Auckland. Your local driver guide will point out scenic highlights as you travel through farmland and past native forests. At the end of your journey, enjoy the spectacular views from the Auckland Harbour Bridge as you arrive in Auckland's central city by night.