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Day 1: Paihia Central/Coach Stop to Paihia Accommodation with Haruru Cabs (photo 2), Bay of Islands Leisurely 3 Day
North Island · Independent coach travel (self guided)

Bay of Islands Leisurely 3 Day Tour

  • 3 days, 2 nights
  • Starts and ends in Auckland
  • Motels
FromNZ$1,330per person, twin share

Where you will go

2 places you sleep in over 2 nights. Select a place in the list to find it on the map.

Overnight stop, in route orderVisited on the wayScheduled coach, no guideStarts and ends in Auckland. 2 overnight stops across 3 days, about 460 km of driving. Select a marker to open that day.

Overview

Independent coach travel (self guided). You travel on your own on scheduled coach services. Your seats and hotels are reserved; no guide travels with you. You are not left to it: your whole trip is in a travel app, and our New Zealand support team is a message or call away, seven days a week.

This 3 day tour includes coach travel to Paihia and a cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock. 3 days through the North Island, starting and finishing in Auckland. Along the way: Paihia Central/Coach Stop to Paihia Accommodation with Haruru Cabs, Hole in the Rock Cruise with Fullers, Auckland to Paihia by InterCity Coach. Every night is booked and the travelling is handled, so the itinerary below is what you actually do rather than a list of things you could arrange yourself.

  • 2 nights accommodation
  • 2 included activities
  • 2 meals included

Explore more:North Island toursFamily holidaysSolo travellersBay of Islands toursAuckland toursNinety Mile Beach tours

What is included, and what is not

Included in the price

  • 2 nights of accommodation, motels
  • Scheduled coach travel between destinations, seats reserved
  • 2 included activities and entries along the way
  • A detailed day by day itinerary with every booking reference
  • Support from a New Zealand based specialist while you travel
Included activities
  • Paihia Central/Coach Stop to Paihia Accommodation with Haruru Cabs
  • Hole in the Rock Cruise with Fullers
  • Auckland to Paihia by InterCity Coach
  • Paihia, Bay of Islands to Auckland with InterCity Coach

Not included

  • International flights to and from New Zealand
  • Travel insurance, which we recommend arranging on the day you pay your deposit
  • Meals other than the 2 meals listed in the itinerary
  • Personal spending, tips and anything not listed as included

Anything here can be added. Extra nights, room upgrades, more activities or a different vehicle: tell us what you would change and we re-quote, no obligation.

Day by day

Aucklandview on Google Maps

On arrival to Paihia, you will be transferred from Paihia Central to your accommodation.

Hole in the Rock Cruise with Fullers

Board your cruise and take in the stunning views as you glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over and Piercy Island/Motukōkako, or as it is popularly known as the Hole in the Rock. According to Māori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before departing for battle. Drops of water from the cave roof above were a good omen. If conditions permit, your skipper will expertly guide the ship through the narrow space. Keep an eye out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales, and other marine life during your cruise, and have your camera ready as you get up close to the action. Stop off at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island where you have time to relax, take a walk, have a swim, or enjoy a bite to eat and drink from the on-site fully licensed café.

Auckland to Paihia by InterCity Coach

Leave the urban skyline of Auckland behind for the coastal roads of the North, travelling past the seaside villages of the Hibiscus Coast and through the rolling hills of Whangarei. Your journey follows a historic trail through unique rural townships and farmland before descending into the subtropical Bay of Islands. You’ll be greeted by the sparkling turquoise waters and golden sands of Paihia, a vibrant seaside village that serves as your gateway to this paradise.

AucklandTourism New Zealand
TonightAdmirals View Lodge & Motel

Admirals View Lodge & Motel offers a range of quality self-contained accommodations. Relax in this peaceful location in central Paihia and enjoy the sunny terraces and sea spray from the nearby ocean. You can easily meander along to the beach, restaurants and cafes from your luxurious accommodation.

Paihiaview on Google Maps

Journey to the very tip of the North Island and uncover a region of rich Māori tradition along the way on an unforgettable full-day tour. Travel along the sand-swept shore of Ninety Mile Beach in our purpose-built coach and experience sandboarding (weather permitting). In Māori tradition, Cape Reinga or Te Rerenga Wairua is the place where spirits depart on their long journey back to the homeland. Stand at the northernmost point of New Zealand and drink in the panoramic views. 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 special place. Throughout the day your local driver guide will provide an entertaining and thought-provoking insight into the culture, history and natural wonders of the Far North.

TonightAdmirals View Lodge & MotelBreakfast and lunch

Warkworthview on Google Maps

Leaving the magical Bay of Islands behind you head south on State Highway 1 back towards Auckland, the "City of Sails". The route takes you through Kawakawa, affectionately known as 'train town'. The farming regions of Wellsford and Warkworth accompany you the rest of the journey before passing through the suburbs of the North Shore and crossing the harbour bridge and into the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland City.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds: Guided Tour, Cultural Performance & Return Shuttle

Waitangi is one of New Zealand’s most historic sites where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between 43 Māori chiefs and the British Government. This two-day pass allows you access to the Treaty of Waitangi Grounds and includes admission to the Te Kōngahu Museum and Te Rau Aroha Museum and a Māori Cultural performance. During your guided tour, you’ll learn about the history of the treaty and discover the stories and events that shaped New Zealand. The cultural performance inside the carved meeting house includes waiata (singing), poi, a display of Māori weaponry and the haka - a war dance New Zealand is well known for.

Keep this itinerary

Email yourself the day by day to read later or pass on, or with every day open.

Good to know

Departures

This itinerary departs on the dates that suit you, subject to availability. Peak season (December to February) books out early, so enquire well ahead for summer travel.

Make it yours

Add nights, upgrade rooms, swap activities or extend into the other island. Tell us what you would change and we will re-quote, no obligation.

Never travelling alone

Your whole itinerary lives in a smart travel app with live vouchers, maps and daily guidance, and your own travel specialist is reachable seven days a week while you are on the road. If plans change, we rearrange them in real time.

Who you are booking with

Operator
This itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand operator. We book it for you and stay your point of contact.
Silver Fern Travel
Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist (Insider), IATA certified, based in Auckland, New Zealand.
Prices
Quoted from the operator's own booking engine and refreshed weekly. The figure on this page is the one you will be quoted.
Paying
A 20% deposit confirms your booking; the balance is due 70 days before travel. How your money is protected.

Watch: Bay of Islands on this itinerary

Asked before booking

Something not answered here? , no quote attached.

Still deciding? Worth a read: How many days do you actually need in New Zealand? · The best time to visit New Zealand, from people who live here

FromNZ$1,330per person, twin share
Per day
NZ$443planning included
Travelling solo
NZ$1,745single occupancy

No payment to enquire; a firm quote within one working day. Lowest priced travel dates, two sharing. International flights not included. A 20% deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due 70 days before travel. How your money is protected

100% Pure New Zealand InsiderQualmark Gold, the official quality mark of New Zealand tourism

Itineraries operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand operator. Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure Insider.

Request a quote for this trip

No payment, no obligation. A specialist replies with a firm quote within one working day.

When would you like to travel?

You will hear back within one working day. Quotes are free and there is no obligation to book.

  1. Tell us about your trip

  2. Get your firm quote

  3. Shape it until it fits

  4. Confirm with a 20% deposit

  5. Everything is booked for you

  6. Travel with us beside you

The Silver Fern Promise

You never hand over more than a small deposit

Nothing to enquire, nothing until your quote is confirmed in writing, and never more than your deposit until the balance falls due 70 days before travel. Deposits can be paid by card, which keeps your card scheme’s protections in play.

How your money is protected

A firm quote within one working day

Availability checked with our New Zealand operations team and confirmed in writing, not an automated estimate.

No booking fees, and nothing to pay to enquire

Quotes are free and carry no obligation. You pay a deposit only once the itinerary is right and you say go.

One person, before and during your trip

The same specialist plans your trip and is reachable while you are travelling, alongside in-country support seven days a week.

100% Pure New Zealand InsiderQualmark Gold, the official quality mark of New Zealand tourismInsider status, Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme. IATA certified. Every itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand tour operator.

Questions before you enquire? Email hello@silverferntravel.com and ask. No form required.

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