6-Day Auckland to Bay of Islands Self-Drive
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Overview
Hit the road from Auckland to the Bay of Islands and travel the northern tip of the North Island on this six-day self-drive adventure!
Beginning and ending in the iconic city of Auckland, you'll have plenty of time to get acquainted with the city on a guided walking tour. You'll then buckle up and travel to Russell in the heart of the Bay of Islands. On the way, you'll make a stop in Whangarei, the northernmost city in New Zealand, as well as a stop to partake in an exciting Bay of Islands waterfall cruise and kayaking experience.
After a free day to explore Russell and the Bay of Islands, you'll travel to the stunning Northland Region. You'll stop by the northern town of Kerikeri, most well known for being the home of the dreadful Maori chief, Hongi Hika, but now full of character, charm and flavour.
You'll spend your final night in the city of Omapere, on the south shore of Hokianga Harbour, before making the scenic journey back to Auckland. Emerald rolling hills, Kauri forests, historic towns and beautiful bays will fill your journey!
Beginning and ending in the iconic city of Auckland, you'll have plenty of time to get acquainted with the city on a guided walking tour. You'll then buckle up and travel to Russell in the heart of the Bay of Islands. On the way, you'll make a stop in Whangarei, the northernmost city in New Zealand, as well as a stop to partake in an exciting Bay of Islands waterfall cruise and kayaking experience.
After a free day to explore Russell and the Bay of Islands, you'll travel to the stunning Northland Region. You'll stop by the northern town of Kerikeri, most well known for being the home of the dreadful Maori chief, Hongi Hika, but now full of character, charm and flavour.
You'll spend your final night in the city of Omapere, on the south shore of Hokianga Harbour, before making the scenic journey back to Auckland. Emerald rolling hills, Kauri forests, historic towns and beautiful bays will fill your journey!
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Auckland
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Upon arrival in Auckland, you'll pick up your rental car and make your way to your hotel for the next two nights. After check-in, you'll have the rest of the day free to explore the city on your own. Greater Auckland, with a population of over one million, is New Zealand’s largest urban area and centre of commerce and industry, but within minutes of the city, you can experience uncrowded beaches, rural countryside and forests.
Accommodation
The Quadrant Hotel & Suites★4 star
Activities
AucklandOptional Activity
Transportations
Self-Driving from Auckland Airport to The Quadrant Hotel & SuitesOptional Activity
Destinations
Auckland
Day 2
Guided Morning Walking Tour of Auckland
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This morning, with an expert local guide, you'll discover the fascinating jewels of Auckland on a walking tour of Auckland's past and present historical and cultural highlights. You'll wander the cobblestone streets and the narrow lanes as your highly knowledgeable local guide unfolds two centuries of Auckland's architectural legacy from Classical, Renaissance, Gothic to Baroque. Later, you'll be able to explore the city on your own and perhaps head to Auckland Sky Tower for an amazing view.
Accommodation
The Quadrant Hotel & Suites★4 star
Activities
Auckland Half-Day Walking Tour
Sky TowerOptional Activity
Destinations
Auckland
Day 3
Travel from Auckland to Russell via Whangarei Falls
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Today, on your journey to Russell, you'll make a stop in Whangarei, the northernmost city in New Zealand. Here, you can visit the famous Whangarei Falls, an impressive set of waterfalls that tumble over a cliff into a natural pool. Afterwards, you'll make the journey across the water by ferry to Russell where you'll stay for the night.
Accommodation
The Duke Of Marlborough Hotel★4 star
Activities
WhangāreiOptional Activity
Transportations
Self-Driving from Auckland to WhangāreiOptional Activity
Self-Driving from Whangārei to Paihia WharfOptional Activity
Ferry from Paihia to RussellOptional Activity
Destinations
Auckland
Whangarei
Russell
Day 4
Free Day to Explore Russell with Bay of Islands Waterfall Cruise and Kayak
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Today, you'll start the day with an exciting Bay of Islands waterfall cruise and kayaking experience. You'll have the rest of the day free to explore Russell, the historic town in the heart of the Bay of Islands not far from the tourist town of Paihia. Visiting Russel feels as though you are stepping back in time; you'll find the mid-19th-century street signs still intact and some of New Zealand's oldest and most significant historic buildings lining the streets.
Accommodation
The Duke Of Marlborough Hotel★4 star
Activities
Bay of Islands Waterfall Cruise and Kayaking Experience
RussellOptional Activity
Destinations
Russell
Northland
Day 5
Travel from Bay of Islands to the Northland Region via Kerikeri
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On your journey today, your first stop will be the northern town of Kerikeri, most well known for being the home of the dreadful Maori chief, Hongi Hika. Kerikeri has since shaken off the negative history and become full of character, charm and flavour. Moving on, you'll arrive in Northland where you'll be spending your final night in the city of Omapere, on the south shore of Hokianga Harbour.
Accommodation
Opononi Lighthouse Motel★3 star
Activities
PaihiaOptional Activity
KerikeriOptional Activity
NorthlandOptional Activity
Transportations
Ferry from Russell to PaihiaOptional Activity
Self-Driving from Paihia to ŌmāpereOptional Activity
Destinations
Russell
Paihia
Kerikeri
Moerewa
Opononi
Day 6
Travel from Omapere to Auckland and Departure
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Today, your Auckland to the Bay of Islands road trip comes to an end. When you're ready, you'll pack up and head back to Auckland where you'll drop your rental car and board your departing flight.
Transportations
Self-Driving from Ōmāpere to AucklandOptional Activity
Destinations
Opononi
Included in Price
- 5 nights accommodation
- 2 activities
- 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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Low season price starting fromAU$681
per traveller sharing Terms and Conditions
Book with Flexibility
Flexible Payment
Book this trip today with a deposit and pay the rest 60 days before departure.
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Our dedicated Travel Concierge Team will work with you to manage any unforeseen changes, where possible.
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