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Day 1: Paihia Central/Coach Stop to Paihia Accommodation with Haruru Cabs, Bay of Islands Leisurely 3 Day
North Island · Guided Coach

Bay of Islands Leisurely 3 Day Tour

  • 3 days, 2 nights
  • Starts and ends in Auckland
  • Motels

Overview

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

Trip highlights

Included in your price

  • 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

What is included

2 nights of accommodation, staying in motels
2 nights of accommodation, booked and confirmed before you travel
Coach travel throughout with a driver guide
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

This itinerary can be customised: extra nights, different rooms, more activities or a different vehicle. Tell us what you would change.

Where you will go

Overnight stops, in route orderVisited, not overnight2 overnight stops across 3 days. Select a stop to jump to that day.

Day by day itinerary

Your journey:AucklandPaihiaBay Of IslandsAuckland

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
Included this dayAdmirals 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.

Bay Of Islandsview 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.

Included this dayAdmirals View Lodge & MotelBreakfast and lunch

Aucklandview 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.

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.

Watch: Bay of Islands on this itinerary

Asked before booking

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

  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 business 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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