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Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland with Cruise
About This Tour
Experience the best of Northland with Cheeky Kiwi Travel on this fully guided Bay of Islands Small Group Overnight Tour, showcasing the region’s stunning scenery, rich Māori heritage, and coastal charm. Designed for flexibility, choose to have accommodation in Paihia included (single occupancy surcharge will be applicable to solo travelers) or book your own stay, the choice is yours.
Travel in comfort with a small group and enjoy a relaxed pace, personal attention, and the chance to explore hidden gems that larger tours miss. Our passionate guides bring each stop to life with engaging stories, local insights, and a touch of Kiwi humour.
Highlights include: a Bay of Islands Cruise to the world-famous Hole in the Rock, visits to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Waipoua Forest & Tāne Mahuta, and The Kauri Museum.
Discover the very best of the Far North with a fun, flexible, and premium Cheeky Kiwi experience.
Travel in comfort with a small group and enjoy a relaxed pace, personal attention, and the chance to explore hidden gems that larger tours miss. Our passionate guides bring each stop to life with engaging stories, local insights, and a touch of Kiwi humour.
Highlights include: a Bay of Islands Cruise to the world-famous Hole in the Rock, visits to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Waipoua Forest & Tāne Mahuta, and The Kauri Museum.
Discover the very best of the Far North with a fun, flexible, and premium Cheeky Kiwi experience.
What's Included
✓ Included
- Small Group and Fully Guided Tour
- Accommodation in Paihia (if accommodation option chosen )
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Entry to Kauri Museum, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Cruise tickets
- Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
✗ Not Included
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Restroom on board
Itinerary
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.
2
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.
3
Visit 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.
4
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.
Opononi was made famous in the mid 1950s by the tame dolphin Opo, who delighted visitors with its friendly antics.
5
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.
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.
6
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.
7
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.
The cruise runs for 4.5 hours, taking your on a scenic journey through the Bay of Islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula.
8
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.
9
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.
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.
Good to Know
- 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).
- Solo travellers will be required to pay a Solo Surcharge for Accommodation (+$150 NZD)
- Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties