Skip to content
Day 1: Waitangi Treaty Grounds: Guided Tour, Cultural Performance & Return Shuttle, Discover Bay of Islands
North Island · Guided Coach

Discover Bay of Islands Tour

  • 5 days, 4 nights
  • Starts and ends in Auckland
  • Hotel 3 star

Overview

Escape from Auckland to the birthplace of the nation, where history and natural wonder intertwine. 5 days through the North Island, starting and finishing in Auckland. Along the way: Auckland to Paihia by InterCity Coach, Hole in the Rock Cruise with Fullers, Cape Reinga Scenic Flight and Guided Tour with Salt Air. 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.

  • 4 nights accommodation
  • 3 included activities
  • 3 meals included

Trip highlights

Included in your price

  • Auckland to Paihia by InterCity Coach
  • Hole in the Rock Cruise with Fullers
  • Cape Reinga Scenic Flight and Guided Tour with Salt Air
  • Russell Mini Tour with Fullers GreatSights
  • Explore Russell
  • Paihia, Bay of Islands to Auckland with InterCity Coach

What is included

4 nights of accommodation, staying in hotel 3 star
4 nights of accommodation, booked and confirmed before you travel
Coach travel throughout with a driver guide
3 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 overnight1 overnight stop across 5 days. Select a stop to jump to that day.

Day by day itinerary

Your journey:AucklandPaihiaAuckland

Aucklandview on Google Maps

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.

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 dayKingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia - Junior Suites

The Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia is located on the waterfront only 100 metres from Paihia wharf and township. All rooms are air-conditioned and hotel facilities include restaurant, swimming pool, spa pool and sauna.

Paihiaview on Google Maps

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.

Paihiaview on Google Maps

Experience the ultimate journey to the northernmost tip of New Zealand with a spectacular scenic flight that showcases the dramatic contrast between the rugged West Coast and the white silica sands of the East Coast. Upon landing, join a comfortable vehicle tour to the iconic Cape Reinga lighthouse, where you can witness the powerful meeting of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. This seamless half-day adventure combines breathtaking aerial views of Ninety Mile Beach with ground exploration of sacred Māori sites and giant sand dunes, offering a perspective of the Far North that few ever see.

Paihiaview on Google Maps

Step back in time with a relaxed one-hour guided coach tour through the charming streets of Russell, New Zealand’s first sea port and oldest European settlement. You’ll visit significant heritage sites including the musket-scarred Christ Church and the historic Pompallier Mission, while enjoying panoramic 360-degree views of the Bay of Islands from atop Flagstaff Hill. Led by a local expert who brings early colonial history to life with engaging stories, this seamless experience offers a perfect overview of the town’s rowdy past and picturesque present without the need to navigate its steep hills on foot.

Explore Russell

Experience the timeless charm of Russell, a historic village accessible by a quick ferry ride from Paihia or a scenic coastal drive. Once a notorious whaling hub, New Zealand’s first European settlement, and briefly the country’s first capital, Russell now offers a tranquil escape with a rich past. You’ll love exploring historical sites like the bullet-scarred Christ Church, New Zealand’s oldest church, or the historic Marlborough Hotel, which holds the country’s oldest liquor license. For breathtaking views of the Bay and its islands, a short walk up Flagstaff Hill is a must. This historic site tells the story of Māori chief Hone Heke’s famous protests. Russell is the perfect place to step back in time while enjoying the stunning beauty of the Bay of Islands

Aucklandview on Google Maps

Farewell Auckland today. If there is more of New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!

Paihia, Bay of Islands to Auckland with InterCity Coach

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.

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.

Keep Exploring
All tours

Treasures of the North

Starts and ends in Auckland5 days

5 days across the North Island, starting and ending in Auckland, self drive, with every night booked ahead. Strong on classic driving tours.

Self Drive Motels Customisable

Auckland to Rotorua Journey via Waitomo and Hobbiton

Starts and ends in Auckland3 days

3 days across the North Island, round trip out of Auckland, guided the whole way, luggage and logistics handled. Strong on family touring.

Guided Coach Hotel 3 star Customisable

Accessible Aotearoa: Wellington to Hawkes Bay Explorer

Starts and ends in Wellington5 days

5 days across the North Island, a loop from Wellington, at your own pace behind the wheel. Strong on classic driving tours.

Self Drive Hotel 4 star Customisable