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3-Day Discover Northland & Bay of Islands

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Overview

Discover the beauty of the Bay of Islands, Cape Reinga and the Matakana Wine Region on this three-day New Zealand self drive tour from Auckland.

You'll journey to the historic town of Russell via the Waipoua Forest. The highway through the forest is memorable for the natural gateways created by huge kauri trees and the fringing of colourful ferns along the road's edge.

You'll spend a day cruising in the Bay of Islands discovering the famous Hole in the Rock, spotting dolphins and visiting Otehei Bay. After visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds on your final morning, you'll travel back to Auckland via the Matakana wine region, the Kawiti Glowworm Caves, the stunning Orewa Beach and Wenderholm Regional Park.
Sightseeing
Cruising
Adventure
Culture & Arts
Food & Drink
Outdoors & Nature

Itinerary

Day 1

Self-Drive to Russell via Waipoua Forest

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Self-Drive to Russell via Waipoua Forest

Upon arrival, you'll pick up your rental SUV from the airport and begin your three-day adventure travelling to Russell via the Waipoua Forest. The highway through the forest is memorable for the natural gateways created by huge kauri trees and the fringing of colourful ferns along the road's edge. The historic township of Russell, in the Bay of Islands, was the first capital of New Zealand. Wander the beachfront, enjoy some of New Zealand's oldest buildings and enjoy a drink at the waterfront.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Arcadia Lodge4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Waipoua ForestOptional Activity

    RussellOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Auckland Airport to Russell

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Waipoua Kauri Forest

    Russell

Day 2

Explore the Bay of Islands & Cape Reinga

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Explore the Bay of Islands & Cape Reinga

Today, you'll have several options to explore this beautiful part of New Zealand. You can discover the Hole in the Rock, view dolphins and visit Otehei Bay on a premium cruise and experience the very best of what the Bay of Islands has to offer. Alternatively, you can embark on Salt Air’s 'Cape Reinga Fly/Drive' half-day tour by aeroplane is the alternative way to travel to the top of New Zealand to experience it’s beauty, history and scenery from both the air and on land.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Arcadia Lodge4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Scenic 'Hole in the Rock' Cruise by Explore Group

    Salt Air Tours - Cape Reinga Fly/Drive TourOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Russell

    Cape Reinga

Day 3

South to Auckland via Matakana

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South to Auckland via Matakana

Today, you'll travel south back to Auckland via Matakana, famous for the numerous award-winning wineries and their restaurants in the area. You'll make stops en route which may include the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the Kawiti Glowworm Caves, the stunning Orewa Beach and Wenderholm Regional Park. Upon arrival in the city, you'll head out on a relaxing sightseeing tour to explore the CBD and outer areas of the city. This concludes your wonderful New Zealand self drive tour!

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Waitangi Treaty Grounds

    Waitomo Glowworm CavesOptional Activity

    Matakana WineriesOptional Activity

    Auckland

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Russell to Auckland

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Russell

    Waitangi

    Waitomo

    Matakana

    Auckland

Included in Price

  • 2 nights accommodation
  • 3 activities
  • 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner
  • Ground transportation

Not Included in Price

  • Airport transfer
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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