This adventure may be short, but it’s certainly sweet. 4 days through the North Island, starting and finishing in Auckland. Along the way: Auckland, Bay Of Islands, Russell. 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.
3 nights accommodation
Trip highlights
Included in your price
Auckland
Bay Of Islands
Russell
What is included
3 nights of accommodation, staying in hotel 3 star
3 nights of accommodation, booked and confirmed before you travel
Coach travel throughout with a driver guide
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
1Overnight stops, in route orderVisited, not overnight2 overnight stops across 4 days. Select a stop to jump to that day.
Hit the road this morning for a scenic sojourn to the Bay of Islands. This pocket of the country deserves its name, there are more than 140 subtropical islets off the coast here, lined with blissful undeveloped and unpeopled beaches. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical significance; this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs, officially denoting New Zealand as a member of the Commonwealth, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your local specialist at the Treaty Grounds, quite possibly a descendant of one of the original signatories, will explain the importance of the site, while pointing out the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe and a carved meeting house. Enjoy an immersive cultural performance which includes waiata (songs), poi and a traditional haka (war dance). Staying in: Copthorne Hotel and Resort (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
If there’s a travel destination that inspires wanderlust, the Bay of Islands is it. Today, trip the light fantastic and head off on an optional experience in whatever direction you please. Perhaps, cruise through the Bay of Islands, glass of New Zealand wine in hand. Or maybe on a mini jaunt around the romantic town of Russell, the country’s first permanent European settlement and seaport. Fun fact: the town’s streets retain their original names and layout from 1843. Ask your Travel Director for touring tips, and places to wine and dine in between. Wherever your NZ holiday takes you today, we recommend finding somewhere special to salute the end of the day, this part of the country is known for its for blazing sunsets. Staying in: Copthorne Hotel and Resort (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast
If you’ve never heard of Whangarei, you’re probably not alone. But today, New Zealand’s most northerly city is well and truly on your radar. A place where galleries meet museums, Whangarei is the country in a tantalizing snapshot, a union of nature and forward-thinking culture. Stroll the picturesque Town Basin, before sinking back into your seat for the mesmerizing commute back to Auckland. Meals included: Breakfast
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
Yes, and most guests change something. Add nights, upgrade rooms, swap activities or start from a different city: tell us what you would change and we re-quote Jewels of the Bay 26/27 at no cost and no obligation.
A professional driver-guide from our New Zealand operations team, on the ground with you throughout. Every itinerary we sell is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand tour operator, the highest grading in the country's official quality mark.
Jewels of the Bay 26/27 runs on scheduled departure dates through the season. Tell us your travel window and we confirm the nearest departures with live availability, usually within one working day.
3 nights in hotel 3 star. Every property is confirmed by name on your written quote, before you pay anything, so you can look each one up before you commit.
Nothing to enquire. A firm written quote arrives within one working day; if you go ahead, a 20% deposit per person (minimum NZ$250) confirms every booking and the balance is due 70 days before travel, with the exact date on your quote. Deposits can be paid by card, which keeps your card scheme's dispute protections in play.
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.
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.
Insider 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.
Insider 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.
