When travelling in New Zealand, you'll sometimes find that it's rare to see New Zealand's kiwi's (kiwi is how New Zealanders refer to themselves), who prefer to unwind with a more casual beach holiday than a sightseeing trip geared towards the displays of popular attractions, at the popular tourist attractions where tourists flock.
This three-day North Island tour we're introducing today takes you deep into the northern hinterland of the North Island to explore one of New Zealanders' most beloved travel destinations: the delicate beauty of the Bay of Islands, the waves of Ninety Mile Beach and the pale continent.
Day 1 Auckland - Paihia, Paihia
Day 2 Paihia - Cape Reinga - Paihia
Day 3 Paihia---Auckland
Day 1 Auckland-Paihia Paihia
The Bay of Islands is fascinating not only because of its fairytale-like islands and nature-inspired caves in the rocks, but also because you can get up close and personal with marine life such as dolphins. In addition, it is also the birthplace of New Zealand's history, and you can also go to Russell to trace your roots and learn more about the country's past, present, and future.
Follow the verdant hills and beautiful coastline to the beautiful town of Paihia in the Bay of Islands. As its name suggests, the Bay of Islands has a subtropical climate and countless beautiful islands.
It is also the birthplace of the New Zealand nation: Hekienga Harbour was the earliest Polynesian landing place, Russell was New Zealand's first capital, and the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in the Bay of Islands. A rich and colourful culture and the trajectory of early Maori and European history make this the birthplace of the nation. Paihia is the pre-eminent base for exploring the Bay of Islands, situated in the centre of the Bay of Islands.
In the afternoon you can take a ferry to visit Russell, New Zealand's first historic capital.
Nestled deep in the bay of the Bay of Islands, the town of Russell is also known as the largest fishing center and a historic resort. Its tranquility almost belies the history of a town that was once a bustling center of whaling and commerce in the early days as the first Europeans gathered here and became known as the Pacific's famous Hell's Gate. Originally a Maori village, it became New Zealand's first capital. Today it is a resort town with many shops, restaurants and bars, as well as many heritage buildings. Learn about Russell's colorful past and present at Pompallier House and the museum, Christ Church, which still bears the scars of the Maori wars.
Day 2 Paihia - Cape Reinga – Paihia
This day can be spent on the Cape Reinga & Ninty Miles Beach Day Tour, which delves into some of the most famous tourist attractions in the northern region of New Zealand's North Island, including the Cape Reinga Lighthouse, the Puketi Shell Fir Forest, Ninty Miles Beach and more, as well as experiencing New Zealand's one-of-a-kind dune sandboarding activity.
No trip to New Zealand would be complete without a visit to Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of the country. Uncover this beautifully vast and culturally rich Maori region! Travel north from Paihia to the vast 90 Mile Beach and visit Cape Reinger, New Zealand's northernmost point.
See the historic Pukotikai Shell Fir Forest, a 20-minute walk will take you to the 1,000-year-old Shell Fir tree, which is said to be the largest in the world, and the natural undergrowth.
Cape Regina. In Maori legend, Maori spirits travel from here to return to Hawaki, the place where their ancestors lived. Stand at the northernmost point of New Zealand and see the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean meeting the Tasman Sea.
Before you get to the world-famous Ninty Miles Beach, try Sand Dune in Tipaki, an exhilarating and fun activity where you slide down the dunes on a skateboard. It's a great activity for all ages, so if you're brave, you'll want to experience this fun activity.
Your journey takes you to the empty Ninety Mile Beach, a stark contrast to the busy East Coast.
Related Products: 90 Mile Beach Point Reinga Day Bus from Paihia (11 hours)
Departure time: 7:30PM Location: Maritime Building Paihia
Return Time: 6:15PM Location: Maritime Building Paihia
Price: Adult NZ$ 145, Child NZ$ 74.5
Remarks: Complimentary pick up and drop off service from Paihia Hotel.
Booking Hotline: 09 575 6990
Day 3 Paihia – Auckland
Join the Hole in the Rock and Dolphin cruise and swim with dolphins on a guided tour of the Bay of Islands' most iconic landmarks - the Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett. This is a classic trip to remember.
Aboard a purpose-built dolphin-watching luxury yacht, you will have the opportunity to see a wide variety of pristine dolphins and other marine animals up close on our spacious decks.
Then round the lighthouse at Cape Brett to Motukokako Island's famous "Cave in the Rock". Hold your breath as you experience yachting through the narrow cavern (weather permitting) and look up at the spectacle of the rocky outcrops.
Related Product: Dolphin Watching Tour in Seokchungdong (4 hours)
Departure: 9:00AM, 1:00PM Location: Maritime Building Paihia
Return: 1:30PM, 5:30PM Location: Maritime Building Paihia
Price: Adults NZ$ 105, Children NZ$ 52.
Booking Hotline: 09 575 6990
Returning to Paihia, you can visit the Treaty of Waitangi signing house.
One of New Zealand's most important historical sites is Waitangi, about 3 kilometres from Paihia town, where the British Crown and more than 500 Maori chiefs signed New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, in 1840. The Treaty adopted New Zealand as a British colony.
The Treaty Site provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about Māori culture and the historical events associated with the signing of the Treaty. You can visit the Treaty House to see a replica of the original treaty; you can see the carved Māori Hall and one of the largest surviving Māori canoe warships; and at the Visitors' Centre you can watch an entertaining and informative video presentation.
Waitangi is not only a great place to learn about New Zealand's history, it's also a beautiful area to explore. The Treaty House stands proudly in the middle of open, tranquil parkland, with stunning views from the semi-formal gardens surrounding the house to the 6 kilometre forest walk to Haruru Falls. Along the coastline, the ever-changing views of the bay are breathtaking, and you can see samurai, whalers, sailors and New Zealand settlers travelling to and from the area.
After all that introduction, how about going to play?
In fact, as one of the most beloved North Island tourist destinations for New Zealanders, the tourist environment and transport in the Bay of Islands is already very complete, no matter whether it is a tourist from China or a local Chinese in New Zealand, all of them can choose the way that suits them to come to the Bay of Islands to spend their own satisfactory holiday. Below is a small introduction to each of you.
Self-drive route is quite simple, starting from Auckland city center, crossing the Harbor Bridge all the way north, the journey is about 3 hours more or less to Paihia Paihia, it is worth noting that out of Auckland will pass through a section of the toll road Northern Gateway Toll Road, you can pass through the toll road within the 180 days before the "pre-payment Payment can be made either "in advance" within 180 days of crossing the toll road or within 5 days of crossing the toll road. Payment can be made on the internet, as long as you have a valid credit card or VISA debit card and go to http://www.tollroad.govt.nz and enter your licence plate number to pay the tolls owed by your car, which is about NZ$4.40 round trip.
GreatSights New Zealand offers round-trip Paihia luxury coach services and packages to and from Paihia, as well as packages combined with attractions, with English commentary and free Wifi on board. You can choose between individual transport products or packages that are included in the round-trip.
Auckland to Bay of Islands Transport Service
Departure: 7:30am Location: 102 Hobson Street Auckland
Arrival: 11:30am Location: Maritime Building Paihia
Price: Adults NZ$117, Children NZ$58
Bay of Islands to Auckland Transport Service
Departure: 4:30PM Location: Maritime Building Paihia
Arrive: 8:10PM at 102 Hobson Street Auckland
Price: Adults NZ$117, Children NZ$58
3 Days Package (Transportation + Seokchung Cave Cruise + 90 Mile Beach Day Trip)
Price: NZ$ 415 (Save NZ$ 73 from the price of purchasing separately)
Departures: Tuesdays, Fridays 9:00 AM Location: Sky Tower Auckland
Price: Adults NZ$ 550, Children NZ$ 410
Price includes:
Return transport, Chinese speaking driver and guide;
2 nights accommodation in a 4 star hotel in Paihia (Copthorne Hotel or equivalent);
Full breakfast and lunch on the second day
Entrance fees as per itinerary
Remarks: Tours are available for 6 persons, no tour is available for less than 6 persons.
One car with Chinese driver for the whole journey, the advantage is the freedom of travelling and unlimited time schedule.
Vehicle type and quotation:
7-8 seats: 1000 NZ$
10-12 seats: 1200 NZ$.
20-25 Seats: 1500 NZ$
Remarks:
Drivers cannot work more than 10 hours per day and overtime cannot exceed 12 hours.
Driver's tip is NZ$6 per person per day.
Paihia Hotel Recommendations
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands, enjoys a unique character in its setting, facing the sea and looking out over the islands.
If you have any question you can Email to info@pioneertravel.co.nz or call 09 9750 888