Northland Odyssey: Cape Reinga & Bay of Islands
6 day small group Northland tour
Discover the colourful history of the Far North, from Kupe to Kauri and Tane Mahuta, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Whaling and Mission Stations. Visit Cape Reinga where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet and cruise through the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett.
WHAT TRACY LOVES ABOUT THIS TOUR: There’s our favourite tree, Tane Mahuta in Waipoua Forest, historic trails and some great birds including a wide awake kiwi resident at the Native Bird Recovery Centre. On the water dolphins leap around the boat on your way to the Hole in the Rock.
Day 1
Auckland - Matakohe - Whangarei Town Basin - Paihia
We head north to Wellsford and on to meet our guides and wander the incredible collections at The Kauri Museum in Matakohe. We lunch nearby at the Gumdiggers Cafe.
In the Whangarei Town Basin we visit the astonishing Hundertwasser Art Centre and Wairau Maori Art Gallery. Then we call into Robert and Robyn Webb’s Native Bird Recovery Centre, to see their dedication to injured birds and to meet talking tuis and Sparky, the daylight kiwi, close-up.
- The Kauri Museum, Matakohe, dedicated to the mighty Kauri
- See the Hundertwasser Art Centre 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
Paihia – Te Waimate Mission – Butler Point, Hihi – Mangōnui
On the historic trail, first we meet our guide at Te Waimate Mission House then continue north to lunch with Jan Ferguson at Butler Point Whaling Museum, historic house and garden at Hihi on the southern shores of Mangonui Harbour.
We head over to Mangonui in time to check out the shops and stroll along the harbour. We stay two nights on the Mangonui waterfront and dine out this evening.
- Visit Te Waimate Mission House
- Lunch at historic Butler Point on Mangonui Harbour
- 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 - Ninety Mile Beach - Houhora - Mangonui
We visit Win Matthews’ eclectic vintage collection of vehicles then drive as far north as the road will take us to the iconic lighthouse at Cape Reinga where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet. Enjoy the magnificent views from the pathway out to the lighthouse.
We explore on our return, taking side roads to Houhora Harbour and Ninety Mile Beach. This evening we dine on the water’s edge at the famous Mangonui Fish Shop.
- New Zealand’s northernmost point, Cape Reinga
- Dinner at the 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
In Kerikeri we meet our guide at the Stone Store and Kemp House, built in 1822 and lunch nearby at the Plough & Feather close to the Kerikeri inlet.
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 nearby at Copthorne Hotel Bay of Islands and dine in both evenings.
- Visit the Stone Store and Kemp House
- Guided visit of Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- 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
Bay of Islands Cruise - Otehei Bay - Russell - Waitangi
Step on board at Paihia to take a dolphin-watching cruise past islands and golden sand beaches to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. We call into Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island for lunch and a stroll or a swim.
We meet our guide at Pompallier Mission and Printery and wander in Russell and get to know this historic town. We catch a water taxi back to Paihia.
- Look for dolphins on the cruise in the Bay of Islands
- Call in for lunch at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island
- 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 6
Bay of Islands – Ōpononi, Hokianga – Waipoua Forest – Auckland
We travel across the island to Ōpononi on the shores of the Hokianga Harbour. Here we experience the unique Manea –Footprints of Kupe, welcomed by descendants of Kupe, we take a multi-sensory journey.
With our Footprints Waipoua guide take a short, flat walk in the forest to see Tane Mahuta, the God of the Forest and the largest kauri. We continue through the Waipoua Forest to Dargaville and reach Auckland in the late afternoon.
- Experience Manea – Footprints of Kupe
- See Tane Mahuta, New Zealand’s biggest Kauri tree
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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.
