Northland Tour from Auckland is one of the iconic experiences, and the Bay of Islands region are truly special.
We’ll have plenty of included activities and stops on our Bay of Islands tour. The Bay of Islands region is known as ‘The Winterless North'. We can assure you that you’ll get to explore some truly spectacular scenery and have plenty of opportunities to participate in some once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Green hills, beaches, marine life, giant dunes, idyllic islands, and settlements steeped in culture and history
Bay of Islands cruise excursions include the iconic Hole in the Rock wildlife cruise, cultural tours of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and scenic trips to the Kawiti Glowworm Caves. Experience the magic of thousands of glowing worms while learning about their fascinating ecosystem. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Tour Highlights:
Water & Wildlife Cruises:
Hole in the Rock Cruise: A 4.5-hour journey tracing the Cape Brett Peninsula to the famous Hole in the Rock (Piercy Island). Most tours include stops on islands such as Roberton Island (Motuarohia) or Urupukapuka Island for bushwalking and wildlife spotting.
Dolphin Watching & Sailing: Fast catamaran or yacht excursions that navigate the 144 subtropical islands.
History & Maori Culture:
Waitangi Treaty Grounds: New Zealand’s most important historical site. Excursions typically include guided tours of the Treaty House and the carved Meeting House, as well as cultural performances.
Russell (Kororareka): Excursions visiting New Zealand’s first capital, featuring the historic Pompallier Mission and the country’s oldest church
Nature & Land Excursions:
Kawiti Glowworm Caves: A guided walking tour through underground caverns lit by thousands of bioluminescent glowworms.
Cape Reinga: Optional Full-day 4WD or coach trips taking you to the very top of New Zealand, where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide
The tour price options:
Minimum 2 people required to run these tours
Group of 2 People: NZ$4,900 per person
Group of 3-4 People: NZ$3,800 per person
Group of 5-10 People: NZ$3,300 per person
Group of 11-15 People: NZ$2,750 per person
Terms & Conditions apply, and this is a private tour that operates on demand.
Upon confirmation, the tour starts with pickup from Auckland City or the airport. Then, we head north of Auckland and take a scenic drive into the Far North District.
You’ll have the opportunity to visit Whangarei, Paihia, Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the magnificent Bay of Islands.
Tour Itinerary
Bay of Islands Cruise
Hole in the Rock, Dolphin Watching & Sailing
Site of cultural and historical significance
Whangarei Falls, Kawiti Glowworm Caves
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach
Explore historic Russell
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Package included:
Passionate and knowledgeable local Kiwi guide with driver or guided driver
Comfortable and air-conditioned transport
Orientation tour of every location
Small groups of a maximum of 15 people
Stay 3 nights in twin share 3-4* hotel accommodation (private room upgrade available)
Daily hearty breakfasts, 1 lunch
Admission entry fee: Kawiti Glowworm Caves entry ticket, Cruise with Fullers GreatSights (Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise and Cape Reinga Day Tour), Russell Mini Tour
Small Group Fully Guided Tour
Bottled Water
Snacks
Package Excludes:
International and domestic flights
Personal expenses
Personal charges at the hotel (phone call, mini bar, laundry and others)
Airport Taxes & international and domestic Airfare (flight tickets)
Optional extra activity fees
Others not mentioned include
Tours and sightseeing fees are mentioned and included in each itinerary.
Halal Tours Option Available:
Halal Tours included:
Muslim Guided Driver
Prayer mats are available onboard
Vehicles are to be stopped at the safest place during the prayer time
Guide to Halal Restaurants
Guide to the Mosque for prayer
Detailed Description of Tour Itinerary:
Day 1 :
Auckland to Paihia
We begin our scenic drive to Paihia, stopping at a thundering waterfall and a golden sand beach before reaching our final destination. Our first stop brings us to the mesmerising Whangarei Falls, a 26 m-high cascading waterfall. Our journey continues to Paihia, the bay's main tourist centre with a great beachside atmosphere, and we visit Kawiti Glowworm Caves before reaching Paihia.
Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a Guided Tour and Cultural Performance. Waitangi is one of New Zealand's most historic sites where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the local Maori and the British Government. Explore Waitangi Treaty Grounds - We love giving guests this opportunity to learn about Maori culture and the birth of our nation.
Night Accommodation at Paihia
Included: Kawiti Glowworm Caves entry ticket
Day 2:
Bay of Islands Cruise Tours – Hole in the Rock Cruise with Fullers GreatSights.
It is a magical cruise exploring the area's extensive islands. During this cruise, the guides will tell you all about the region's rich history and nature while you search for the marine life that has made these cruises so famous. With some luck, we will find dolphins, whales, or both for you to view and enjoy.
Hole in the Rock - Cape Brett - The cruise continues with a visit to the iconic Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett (weather permitting). This massive ocean archway has been thrilling guests for decades.
Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island – The Bay of Islands cruise can not be complete without spending some time at the beach on one of the islands. Swim, stroll along the white sand beach, walk to the top of the hill for scenic views over the entire Bay of Islands or recharge at the island’s fully licenced bar and café.
Night Accommodation at Paihia
Included: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Fullers GreatSights
Day 3:
Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Tour with Fuller GreatSights - Lunch Included
Ninety Mile Beach and uncover a region of rich Maori tradition on an unforgettable full-day tour. In Maori tradition, Cape Reinga or Te Rerenga Wairua is where spirits depart on their journey back to the homeland. As you stand beneath the iconic lighthouse and watch the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean collide far below, you’ll feel the power of this remarkable place.
Highlight of the Tours:
Enjoy the magical views from the Cape Reinga Lighthouse
Travel along Ninety Mile Beach with a purpose-built coach
Option to sand-board (conditions permitting)
Informative and entertaining commentary throughout
Night Accommodation in Paihia
Day 4:
Explore historic Russell, then return to Auckland
Explore historic Russell, one of the first meeting points between Maori and European sailors, where you will see some of New Zealand’s most significant historic buildings and visit Flagstaff Hill for panoramic vistas of the Bay of Islands.
Known until the early 1840s as Kororareka, Russell was the first town and seaport in New Zealand. The Bay of Islands offered a safe anchorage. By the 1830s, Russell had become a lawless trading centre where whalers, seafarers, and merchants mixed with adventurers, deserters, and escaped convicts from Australia.
This intimate one-hour coach tour visits many of Russell’s iconic locations that make it so significant in New Zealand’s early history. Your tour will be led by an engaging guide whose blend of historical knowledge and local insight will bring the area's culture and history to life.
Paihia to Auckland this afternoon
Leaving the magical Bay of Islands behind, you head south on State Highway 1 back towards Auckland, the city of sails, crossing the harbour bridge and into the heart of Auckland City.
The Tour itinerary is subject to change due to the availability of entry tickets and other unforeseen circumstances.
Contact us if you have any questions or enquiries.
Booking must be at least eight weeks in advance of the date of your tour
All Bookings must be paid in advance. A 20% deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the balance due at least 20 days before your tour date.
You may pay the advance amount here, then contact us by email at Info@brightlane.net or via the Contact Us page. Please provide full details, including passenger numbers, your preferred destination, and arrival details in New Zealand.
