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Suggested Itineraries > City/Resort Stopovers > Bay of Islands

New Zealand City/Resort Stopover

Bay of Islands
(4 days/3 nights)

As well as enjoying the historical significance of being one of the first regions of New Zealand to be settled by Europeans, the Bay of Islands is famous for its warm climate, spectacular coastline and golden beaches and a wide variety of aquatic activities. With over 150 islands, The Bay offers abundant game fishing (including marlin and mako shark) and some of New Zealand's most spectacular scuba diving opportunities.

The best way to experience these enchanting islands is by boat. Highlights include Cape Brett, the Hole in the Rock and swimming with dolphins. Paihia is the main resort town, with Waitangi close by. It was here in 1840 that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed; New Zealand's founding document for modern New Zealand. From Paihia, daily coach trips depart for Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga.

Vacation Highlights

3 nights in the beautiful Bay of Islands, with accommodation as selected
The Day in the Bay Cruise with Kings Tours
Cape Reinga day excursion with Kings Tours
Option to extend your stay.

Stopover Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at the Bay of Islands
Your tour arrangements commence on arrival at your selected accommodation.

Day 2: Bay of Islands - The Day in the Bay Cruise with Kings Tours!
Departs Paihia daily at 10.00am and returns at 4.00pm.
As the name suggests this trip offers ALL the major attractions: New Zealand's first boom netting with dolphins, swim with dolphins, Hole in the Rock, Cathedral Cave, Island stopover for a picnic lunch. Cruise through the inner islands and follow the route of the cream trip. Wet suits and snorkel gear supplied. You need to bring towel and swimming gear, sunhat and sun protection lotion.
Lunch is not included in the price - please pre-order for $14 or feel free to bring your own.

Wildlife conservation - a portion of your fare is donated to dolphin research in the Bay of Islands.

Day 3: Cape Reinga Day Trip with Kings Tours
Departs Paihia daily at 7.30am, returns between 5.30pm - 6.30pm approx.
An exciting day excursion that takes in all the Far North has to offer. Cape Reinga is where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. "Reinga" means "place of leaping" in the Maori language. Travel by King's luxury, air conditioned coach. Stopovers include Kauri Forest, Ancient Kauri Kingdom, Ninety Mile Beach (actually 84 kilometres long), digging for shell fish, sand tobogganing, Cape Reinga lighthouse and Wagners Museum. See giant sand dunes. Accommodation pick ups available on request.
Lunch is not included in the price - please pre-order for $14 picnic lunch or feel free to bring your own. The coach stops for morning and afternoon teas (own cost).

Day 4: Depart Bay of Islands
Your tour arrangements conclude this morning upon check out from your accommodation.

Your Accommodation Options
Choose from:

Transport Suggestions to/from Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is an easy half day's drive from Auckland. There are regular coach services or you have the option of driving by rental car or motorhome.

Scheduled coach service

For more information about the operators and services included in these suggested itineraries, please refer to the accommodation, transport and sightseeing pages in this site.

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