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Map of New Zealand's Bay of Islands including New Zealand

Sunshine, fun times ad deep-rooted history

From towering kauri trees to sub-tropical islands, this corner of New Zealand’s North Island is like another world. On this 4-day adventure, join a local leader and travel from Auckland into the depths of Northland, known for its dense forests and warm weather. A paradise comprising of 140 islands, the Bay of Islands are a guaranteed good time, whether you’re swimming, sailing, scuba diving or kayaking, while a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds provides insight into one of the most important moments in New Zealand’s history.

Start
Auckland, New Zealand
Finish
Auckland, New Zealand
Destination
New Zealand
Style
Basix
Theme
Explorer
Code
PHRI
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18
Group size
Min 4, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Explore Northland’s soaring kauri forests – a visit to the lush Waipoua Forest will introduce you to the mighty Tane Mahuta, a kauri tree standing at an impressive 51 metres tall.

  • Spend a day soaking up the sunshine in the Bay of Islands – whether that looks like scuba diving, kayaking, sailing or swimming is up to you!

  • Find out about the important role the Bay of Island’s played in New Zealand’s history with a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the country’s most significant historical site.

  • With a local leader guiding the way, you’ll be privy to little-known locations off the tourist trail, from secluded swim spots to hidden waterfalls.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is operated and run by our trusted partner Haka Tours. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Haka customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Haka Tours to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time in New Zealand.

View of beautiful beach in Paihia, Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand
Aerial view of CBD Auckland, North Island, New Zealand
Catamaran Boat on beach in Paihia, Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand
Local Guide standing in front of Tane-Mahuta "God of the Forest", Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Bay of Islands Waitangi Treaty Grounds, North Island, New Zealand

Itinerary
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Welcome to New Zealand! Your adventure kicks off in Auckland with an early start – a welcome meeting will take place over an included breakfast at 8am where you’ll meet your local leader and the other travellers joining you on your journey. After your meeting, hit the road and get your first dose of epic scenery as you drive up to the Northland Region. Often referred to as the “Winterless North”, the name might be a little optimistic, but there’s no doubt this region receives more pleasant year-round weather than the rest of the country. Aside from its mild weather, Northland is also known for its ancient and towering Kauri forests. On arrival, take a walk through the dense Waipoua Forest, where you’ll find Tane Mahuta – standing at 51 metres tall, this is the tallest kauri tree in New Zealand, and is estimated to be up to 2500 years old. Then, stop by Hokianga Harbour and check out its 150-metre-high sand dunes. If conditions are right, perhaps hire a sandboard and glide down the dunes into the blue water below. Your day ends in Paihia, a gorgeous seaside town that serves as a gateway to the beaches of the Bay of Islands. Tuck into a fish and chips dinner this evening as you watch the sun set over the ocean – what better way to end a day!
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bay of Islands - Fish & Chips Dinner
  • Northland - Hokianga Harbour & Sand Dunes
  • Northland - Waipoua Forest & Tane Mahuta
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you meet the group at 8am this morning to begin your tour. Find more details in the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ section of your Essential Trip Information. If you are going to be late, we recommend spending a night before your tour begins in Auckland. If so, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

The day is yours to enjoy the little slice of heaven that is the Bay of Islands. More than 140 sub-tropical islands mean there are so many different ways to have fun here, and your leader will be on hand with recommendations on how to get the most out of your day. If you fancy getting on the water, kayaking, boat cruising, swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and sailing are all available options – you might even be joined by some friendly bottlenose dolphins! You may like to arrange a road trip to Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand. Here you can see the memorable sight of the Tasman Sea meeting the Pacific Ocean. Regroup in the late afternoon and catch up with your group about all you’ve seen and done today, then jump on a catamaran for an incredible sunset cruise. Sit back and watch the landscape reveal itself to you as you cruise between the secluded bays of Paihia, Opua, Russel and Waitangi.
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bay of Islands - Sundowner Catamaran Cruise
Optional Activities
  • Bay of Islands - Island Hopper Day Cruise - NZD137
  • Bay of Islands - Skydive - NZD314
  • Cape Reinga - Cape Reinga Day Tour - NZD147
  • Bay of Islands - Scuba Diving - NZD293
  • Bay of Islands - Intro to Scuba Diving - NZD305
  • Bay of Islands - Hole in the Rock Cruise - NZD117
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After experiencing much of the Bay of Island’s natural beauty yesterday, today you’ll take a look at the region’s history during a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, perhaps the most important historical site in New Zealand. The site marks the spot where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed by 43 Maori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown, signifying the foundation of a nation state. Take a guided tour of the grounds, visit the historic Treaty House and check out the Te Kongahu Museum of Waitangi for an honest depiction of the interactions between Maori and Europeans that lead to the signing of the treaty. In the early afternoon, leave the Bay of Islands behind and get back on the road. Make a stop in the little town of Kawakawa – believe it or not, the town’s most famous attraction is the artistic Hundertwasser Toilets, so this is sure to be the best rest stop of your trip! Your local leader will also take you to stretch your legs in some off the beaten track spots along the way. Hug Northland’s east coast as you travel back down to Auckland, arriving in the early evening.
Accommodation
  • Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Northland - East Coast Beaches & Coastal Walks
  • Northland - Kawakawa Hundertwasser Toilets
  • Bay of Islands - Waitangi Treaty Grounds Guided Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to spend some more time in Auckland, get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange some extra accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

4 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Multi-share hostel with shared facilities (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Bay of Islands - Fish & Chips Dinner
  • Northland - Hokianga Harbour & Sand Dunes
  • Northland - Waipoua Forest & Tane Mahuta
  • Bay of Islands - Sundowner Catamaran Cruise
  • Northland - East Coast Beaches & Coastal Walks
  • Northland - Kawakawa Hundertwasser Toilets
  • Bay of Islands - Waitangi Treaty Grounds Guided Tour

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our New Zealand's Bay of Islands trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
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Important notes

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

ROOMING
Accommodation on this trip is in dormitory style hostels, with 4 to 6 people per room on a mixed-gender basis.

PRIVATE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
A supplement for a private room is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. If you are a single traveller this will give you a single room, if you are travelling as a couple a double room will be allocated to you. Please note that due to the small properties we use there is only a limited amount of private room supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book this service or enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

START & END TIME
This trip start with an early morning meeting over breakfast on day 1 and ends after breakfast on the last day.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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