Bay of Islands Kotare (Small Group Tour)
5 nights from €1,279 per person
- Included:
- Accommodation
- In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
- Internal travel
- Sights and excursions
- Tour guide throughout
- 4 breakfasts and 1 dinner
- No credit card fees for Visa and Mastercard
Overview
Experience the idyllic beauty of Northland, brimming with secluded white sand beaches, azure waters and captivating wildlife in the form of seabirds, dolphins and whales on this fantastic four day small group tour. The Bay of Islands area has a wonderfully tropical feel to it, making it the ideal destination for a short break as part of your New Zealand adventure. Your small group of 10 to 18 people will make the trip feel intimate and special, with your trip becoming more personalised to you and your tastes and needs. (MOA)
Highlights
- Visit the fascinating kauri museum, Matakohe, and walk with Maori guides in the Waipoua Forest
- Take a ride across the Hokianga Harbour to explore the sand dunes
- Embark on a dolphin cruise to the Hole in the Rock
- Explore the Kawiti glow worm caves
- Wander along the historic waterfront of Russell
Please note: The prices listed are for the tour only and do not include international flights; this tour would be a great add-on option as part of your New Zealand holiday.
Details
Day 1
Auckland – Hokianga
On day one you’ll join your tour at the Viaduct Harbour, before departing to Muriwai Beach on the west coast of Auckland. At this beautiful beach, a real kiwi favourite, you’ll be able to explore the cliff-top to see views of the Tasman Sea and the Muriwai gannet colony.
Afterwards, you’ll continue north to Matakohe Kauri Museum to learn about the Kauri Forests, and spend the afternoon discovering the ancient Waipoua Forest. In the evening you will be welcomed with a special 'Karakia' from our hosts before relaxing over dinner in our beachside accommodation for the night amongst new friends.
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Hokianga (Dinner included)
Day 2
Bay of Islands
Start your day with a cruise across Hokianga Harbour with your local guide, Pete. He'll tell you why all kiwis have heard of Opononi and take us on our first foray across the harbour for a walk to explore the gigantic sand dunes – you could even add a bit of adrenaline to the mix and body board down them. You’ll then visit Kerikeri whilst journeying onto Waitangi in the Bay of Islands, ending at Waitangi Treaty House, where local Maori signed the treaty with Queen Victoria’s representatives in 1840.
Copthorne Hotel and Resort (Breakfast included)
Day 3
Russel Township
From the town of Paihia you’ll take a scenic cruise out to the Bay of Islands, where you can either take a dolphin cruise on a catamaran and possible swim with the elegant animals, or take a trip through the famous Hole in the Rock.
In the afternoon you’ll disembark in Russell, the country’s first capital with a vibrant past. The next few hours are at your leisure – we’d recommend ending the day with an ice cold refreshment at the historic Duke of Malborough, overlooking the Russell waterfront.
Copthorne Hotel and Resort (Breakfast included)
Day 4
Auckland
On your last day you’ll journey to Waiomio Valley, where a Kawiti family will guide you through the secluded Kawiti Caves, exploring the Milky Way cavern filled with thousands of glowworms. The caves are named after the famous Maori Chief of the area and still belong to their family - your guide will be a descendant of Kawiti too!
Afterwards you’ll return to Auckland Viaduct where your tour will end.
(Breakfast included)
- Internal travel on an air conditioned coach (max 18 travellers)
- 3 breakfasts and 1 dinner
- Hotel (3 nights)
- Excursions as listed: Northland’s Kauri Museum, walk with Maori guides through Waipoua Forest - visit Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest), relaxing and picturesque cruise across the Hokianga Harbour, swim with dolphins or cruise to the Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock, visit Kerikeri’s iconic Stone Store, learn about New Zealands history on a visit to the Waitangi Treaty House, marvel at the Kawiti Caves and their luminous glowworms.
- Tour guide throughout, local guides
Please note - International flights and domestic flights throughout New Zealand are not included in the price shown.
Local 2017 Departure Dates: Oct 12, Oct 26, Nov 02, Nov 09, Nov 16, Nov 23, Nov 30, Dec 07, Dec 14, Dec 21, Dec 28
Local 2018 Departure Dates: Jan 04, Jan 07, Jan 11, Jan 15, Jan 18, Jan 22, Jan 25, Jan 28, Feb 01, Feb 04, Feb 08, Feb 11, Feb 15, Feb 18, Feb 22, Feb 25, Mar 01, Mar 04, Mar 08, Mar 15, Mar 22, Mar 29, Apr 05, Apr 12
