Gourmet Trails & Coastal Sails

Enjoy succulent fresh oysters, award-winning olive oil and other locally-produced speciality foods, accompanied by wines from some of the Island’s top boutique vineyards. The guide will provide an entertaining and informative commentary along the way. Visit an award-winning olive oil mill, followed by two vineyards, each offering a range of gourmet tastes to accompany the wines. A platter lunch at one of Waiheke’s top vineyard restaurants is also included.

The Tutukaka Coast is your gateway to an underwater world of wonder. Offshore lie the legendary Poor Knights Islands, declared by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top 10 dive sites globally, a vibrant marine reserve teeming with life. These waters are also a renowned hotspot for big game fishing, boasting numerous world-record catches. Beyond diving and fishing, explore the stunning coastline with scenic cruises, kayaking tours, or tranquil strolls along sandy beaches. When hunger strikes, local cafes and restaurants offer delicious fresh seafood straight from the ocean, ensuring a taste of Tutukaka’s bounty.

The journey from Auckland to the stunning Tutukaka Coast is a curated introduction to Northland’s coastal charm and artisan heartland. Take your time to discover the unique villages along the way, beginning with the historic Bohemian settlement of Puhoi, where you can savour a taste of award-winning local cheeses. Continue to the renowned Matakana region, a gourmet oasis dotted with boutique wineries, a vibrant village market, and artisan producers offering everything from exquisite chocolates to freshly brewed coffee. Further north, a stop at Whangarei’s spectacular Hundertwasser Art Centre provides a moment of unexpected architectural delight and cultural immersion.

Step into a world-class marine wonderland today as you adventure on the "Perfect Day" ocean cruise to the Poor Knights Islands. Rated by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top ten dive sites in the world, this protected marine reserve offers a breathtaking blend of volcanic history and vibrant biodiversity. The best way for non-divers to experience the wonder of Poor Knights Island, this special day-trip, includes sight-seeing, kayaking, cave explorations, snorkelling, swimming, sea mammal-spotting, snippets of fascinating history, Island facts and great food. The boat is incredibly well fitted-out, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, upstairs viewing and lunch included. It is important to read and understand the risks associated with this activity before travel. For more information please see here

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

Your journey begins by soaking up the last moments of the Tutukaka Coast’s beauty. Consider a peaceful stop at the serene Whale Bay, an exquisite beach accessible via a short, beautiful bush walk. Referred to by many as a top hidden gem, it offers a tranquil final moment before your drive. From there, your drive unfolds into the rich cultural heartland of Northland, making a fascinating and whimsical stop in the town of Kawakawa, known for its world-famous public toilets designed by the visionary artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Continue on to the ferry terminal at Opua, where a short and scenic car ferry will transport you to the tranquil shores of Russell. This pleasant 15-minute crossing saves a long drive around the harbour, providing a final moment to take in the beautiful bays before you arrive in a historic and charming seaside village that serves as your idyllic base for the next part of your adventure.

Come spend a day with the Barefoot Sailing crew for a magical day cruise sailing to a beautiful wildlife sanctuary island. You can enjoy water activities such as snorkeling and paddle boarding and explore hiking trails which are perfect for bird lovers. This small-group tour is designed to suit the active adventurer but is equally relaxing if you’re looking for an easy-going day out. Please take your time to understand the risks associated with this activity here.

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.

Experience the Waipoua Forest at night on this spectacular 4 hour tour. Learn about the rich birdlife and fauna that inhabit the forest, including the carnivorous kauri snail. You’ll also get to experience the deep spiritual respect the Maori people have for this place. Your Maori guide will brief you on the protocols for your visit and you once formal greetings have been made you will be allowed to meet the giant Tane Mahuta, or Lord of the Forest - the oldest Kauri tree in the world.

Savor the flavors of the Northland wilderness with an exquisite four-course gourmet dinner at Waipoua Lodge. Set within the historic charm of a converted 100-year-old wool shed, this intimate dining experience highlights the lodge’s "estate-to-plate" philosophy. Each course is carefully crafted using seasonal ingredients from the lodge’s own organic gardens and local artisan producers. From delicate canapés to decadent desserts, this four-course culinary journey is the perfect sophisticated conclusion to a day spent among the giant Kauri trees.

Waitangi is one of New Zealand’s most historic sites where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the Māori 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 Maori Cultural performance. During your guided tour, 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 and the haka - a war dance Aotearoa-New Zealand is well known for.

Heading west from the Bay of Islands, you’ll leave the coastal charms of the Pacific Ocean behind and transition into Northland’s rugged wilderness and the wilder seas of the Tasman. On the way, you’ll make a profound and important stop at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the very place where New Zealand’s founding document was signed, allowing you to connect with the nation’s powerful history. The journey continues west, through the small seaside townships of Omapere and Opononi, the perfect place to stop for an ice cream. The route then heads south and into the Waipoua Forest, home to the massive Kauri trees. As you pass through the forest, be sure to take one of the short walks to view the majestic Tāne Mahuta, the largest of all the trees, on a not to be missed 5-minute loop.

Discover the glorious Matakana Coast, a region where rolling vineyards meet rugged coastlines and world-class art. Matakana offers a sophisticated escape into New Zealand’s artisan heart. Wander through whimsical sculpture gardens at Sculptureum or Bricks Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail, sample award-winning local wines, or explore the pristine white sands of Tāwharanui Regional Park. You can stretch your legs along the riverside, grab a world-class coffee from local roasters, or browse boutique galleries. It’s a place where the pace slows down, and the quality of life, and the food, is second to none.

The Kauri Museum is located approximately 90 minutes drive north of Auckland, in the rural backdrop of Matakohe. Offering insight into the region’s pioneering history, It charts the rise and fall of the great Kauri forests with stunning displays and detailed exhibitions including: The largest collection of Kauri Gum in the world, a fully furnished 1900's era Kauri house, the largest collection of Kauri furniture in the world, a huge 22 metre long Kauri slab and a magnificent collection of original photographs and pioneering memorabilia.

Continue along the Kauri Coast and through the fertile agricultural region of Dargaville. Heading back across country the Matakohe Kauri Museum is an award winning museum and has extensive displays of the regions logging, farming and social history. Just a short drive from Warkworth you’ll reach the coastal settlement of Snells Beach.