Description
Bay of Islands Escape – Northland
4 Days/ 3 Nights
Explore the Bay of Islands by scheduled coach service (Optional: By rental car). Flexible Daily Departures
The natural beauty of the Bay of Islands has to be seen to be believed. It’s an aquatic playground lavishly furnished with 144 islands and a myriad of secluded beaches. It’s impossible to escape the lure of the sea. There are almost endless opportunities for immersing yourself in the blue-green world of island and beach – sail through the bays, Swim with Dolphins, jet boat or cruise to the Hole in the Rock!
Welcome to Auckland. Private car transfer into the city. This afternoon we suggest a city tour or sail on the harbour.
Your coach will cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge and travel north along the beautiful Hibiscus Coast to the Bay of Islands. The afternoon enjoy a guided visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 cemented European and Maori into nationhood. Balance of day at leisure to enjoy the many activities of the area (Swim with Dolphins) that was the stage for much of New Zealand’s early history. This included settlement by Polynesian adventurers, discovery by Captain Cook and the unruly whaling era. (Optional meal plans begin today)
Discover Cape Reinga on coach tour. From Paihia enjoy the historical and scenic journey to Cape Reinga. Drive along the mighty Ninety Mile beach beneath gigantic sand dunes. If you dare, ride the sand sledges. At Cape Reinga wander out to the lighthouse where spectacular views of the two oceans, Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meet. Lunch is included.
Board the luxury catamaran at the Paihia Maritime Wharf and cruise to Cape Brett. This most popular cruise in the Bay of Islands will whisk you on a comfortable journey out through game fishing waters to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and the famous “Hole in the Rock”. On the return journey time is taken to meander through the islands. View sandy beaches, beautiful bays and marine wildlife before an island stopover allowing you to enjoy a scenic walk, swim or browse through the local souvenir shop. Upon return to Paihia your coach will return you to downtown Auckland at approximately 9:15pm.
Between the beginning of November and Easter holidays, you may wish to substitute one of your DAY TOURS with a sail on board the R.Tucker Thompson.
It’s one of the few opportunities to go sailing on a working tall ship, in one of the most spectacularly beautiful parts of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands. With the wind behind us, this is one of the most environmentally friendly way to see the Bay; you can be sure your carbon footprint is minimal. Better still, with profits made from tourism going to support youth development, your day out is going to a good cause.
Sailing times:
Departs: 9.30 am Paihia (via Bay Belle) or 10.00 Russell Wharf
Returns: 3.30 pm Russell or 4.00 pm Paihia (via Bay Belle)
- Key features of the day
Plenty of room to relax
Freshly baked scones and cream tea from our galley
Chance to take the helm, hoist the sails or climb the rigging
Lunchtime swim and island stopover in sheltered bay
Delicious BBQ lunch served on board
Share stories with our friendly crew
Enjoy the majesty of tall ship sailing in the Bay of Islands
Photo courtesy of R. Tucker Thompson Sail
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