Christmas in Northland
6 day small group Northland Christmas tour
WHAT TRACY LOVES ABOUT THIS TOUR: It’s a great feeling to leave town behind and drive North before Christmas – as far as Cape Reinga! There’s so much early history to discover, Butler Point on Mangonui Harbour is one unique example, And so much natural beauty along both coastlines. Enjoy a relaxed summertime vibe, cruising through the Bay of Islands on Christmas Day and stopping for lunch at Otehei Bay Cafe.
Day 1
Auckland - Matakohe - Whangarei Basin - Bay of Islands
On our way north we meet our guides at The Kauri Museum in Matakohe and wander the incredible collections and lunch nearby.
We are guided through the Hundertwasser Art Centre and Wairau Māori Art Gallery at the Town Basin in Whangārei. Continuing to Paihia, we stay at the Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands and dine in.
- The Kauri Museum at Matakohe is dedicated to this mighty tree
- Visit the Hundertwasser Art Centre and and Wairau Maori Art Gallery
- Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
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Accommodation
SCENIC HOTEL BAY OF ISLANDS
Expansive sub-tropical gardens and extensive guest facilities at the Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands enhance the welcoming atmosphere of this resort-style hotel.
What we love – Its convenient location in Paihia as a base to explore the Bay of Islands
Day 2
Bay of Islands - Butler Point, Hihi - Mangonui
On the historic trail we first meet our guide at Te Waimate Mission House. We continue north to Mangonui to lunch with Jan Ferguson at beautiful Butler Point Whaling Museum and hear the history of this historic house and garden on the southern shores of Mangonui Harbour.
We stay two nights on the waterfront in Mangonui and dine out this evening.
- Meet our guide at Te Waimate Mission House
- Lunch with Jan Ferguson at historic Butler Point
- Mangonui Waterfront Apartments
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Accommodation
MANGONUI WATERFRONT APARTMENTS
Mangonui Waterfont Apartments – character-filled accommodation ideally located in picturesque Doubtless Bay.
What we love about Mangonui Waterfront Apartments – The location! Being just steps from the water’s edge really makes this feel like a New Zealand holiday.
Day 3
Mangonui - Cape Reinga - Houhora Harbour - Ninety Mile Beach - Mangonui
We call into Win Matthew’s museum collection of household memorabilia and vintage vehicles then drive as far north as the road will take us, stopping at the wonderful container coffee shop on the way. We have plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent views from the pathway out to the iconic lighthouse at Cape Reinga where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet.
The pohutukawa are in bloom as we explore on our return, taking side roads to Houhora Harbour and Ninety Mile Beach. We return to Mangonui and dine at the famous Mangonui Fish Shop.
- The magnificent views from Cape Reinga
- Dine out at the famous Mangonui Fish Shop
- Mangonui Waterfront Apartments
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Accommodation
MANGONUI WATERFRONT APARTMENTS
Mangonui Waterfont Apartments – character-filled accommodation ideally located in picturesque Doubtless Bay.
What we love about Mangonui Waterfront Apartments – The location! Being just steps from the water’s edge really makes this feel like a New Zealand holiday.
Day 4
Mangonui - Kerikeri - Waitangi Treaty Grounds - Bay of Islands
In Kerikeri we meet our guide at the Stone Store and New Zealand’s oldest building, Kemp House built in 1822 for the Kerikeri Mission.
Later at Waitangi we are guided through the Treaty Grounds and attend a cultural performance at Te Whare Runanga, the carved meeting house, and visit the excellent museums. We stay two nights at Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands.
- Meet our guides at the Stone Store and Kemp House
- At Waitangi Treaty Grounds visit the Treaty House, Te Whare Runanga and museums
- Copthorne Hotel and Resort Waitangi, Bay of Islands
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Accommodation
COPTHORNE HOTEL AND RESORT WAITANGI, BAY OF ISLANDS
Let the worries of the world wash away as you find yourself surrounded by uninterrupted views of the beautiful Bay of Islands, set within 60 acres of lush gardens right next door to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. For a bit of activity you’ll love the stunning swimming pool with views out over the water.
What we love about the Copthorne Bay of Islands – There’s no better spot in town, right on the water, next door to the Treaty House and there’s so much space everywhere.
Day 5
Waitangi - Christmas Day Cruise to Cape Brett - Otehei Bay - Russell - Waitangi
With your Kiwi Guide on Christmas morning we cruise out through the beautiful bay to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Otehei Bay Cafe on lovely Urupukapuka Island welcomes us for Christmas lunch. We have time for a swim or a stroll along the beach before continuing our cruise to Russell.
We check out Russell’s sights and historic buildings and later this afternoon catch the ferry back to Paihia and return to our Waitangi hotel where we dine in this evening.
- Look for dolphins on a cruise in the Bay of Islands
- Christmas lunch at Otehei Bay Cafe on Urupukapuka Island
- Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
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Accommodation
SCENIC HOTEL BAY OF ISLANDS
Expansive sub-tropical gardens and extensive guest facilities at the Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands enhance the welcoming atmosphere of this resort-style hotel.
What we love – Its convenient location in Paihia as a base to explore the Bay of Islands
Day 6
Waitangi - Opononi, The Hokianga - Waipoua Forest - Auckland
We head across the island to Opononi on the edge of the West Coast’s Hokianga Harbour. We visit Manea – Footprints of Kupe a unique cultural and multisensory experience celebrating Kupe’s arrival in the Hokianga Harbour over 950 years ago.
In the Waipoua Forest, accompanied by our Footprints Waipoua guide, we stroll the short, flat trail into the forest to see Tane Mahuta, the God of the Forest, and hear the stories of the largest kauri tree. We return to Auckland in the late afternoon.
- The unique experience of Manea – Footprints of Kupe
- Our Footprints Waipoua guide’s legends and stories of Tane Mahuta
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General inclusions
- All transport by comfortable, air conditioned coach (maximum of 18 travellers).
- Services of your knowledgeable MoaTours Kiwi guide.
- Quality accommodation chosen for a “sense of place”.
All Meals Are Included
- All Breakfasts
- All Lunches
- All Dinners
Included Experiences
The following are included in your tour.Sightseeing & Exploring
You’ll visit all the following spots on the tour.
