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5-Day Treasures of the North

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Overview

This 5-day New Zealand package vacation takes you to the sandy beaches and warm waters of the Bay of Islands, with time to explore on land or by sea with tours that take you cruising out to the peninsula or a cultural introduction with a tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Then travel via the ancient Kauri forests of Waipoua to the food and wine-producing region of Matakana while staying at Snells Beach.

Culture & Arts
Cruising
Outdoors & Nature

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Auckland

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Arrival in Auckland

To start your New Zealand package vacation, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to the hotel. Auckland, New Zealand's self-proclaimed "City of Sails", is the country's largest metro. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. This unique on-water dining experience is not to be missed while you're in Auckland. Enjoy smooth sailing on the Waitemata Harbour - then watch this photogenic city come alive with twinkling lights.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    CityLife Auckland4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Harbour Cruise with Explore with Lunch/DinnerOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Auckland Airport to Auckland

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    Destinations

    Auckland

Day 2

Auckland to Paihia

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Auckland to Paihia

Collect your rental car and GPS system. The trip from Auckland to the Bay Of Islands takes around 3.5 hours, give yourself some leeway for stops. As you go through Puhoi, take in the bohemian atmosphere of this historical township. Stop for a breath of fresh salty air in Whangarei and take another break at Kawakawa - home to the world-famous Hundertwasser toilets. Enjoy the native bush surrounds and marvel at the endless golden beaches as you arrive into central Bay Of The Islands, Paihia.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sea Spray Suites4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    PuhoiOptional Activity

    KawakawaOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Auckland to Paihia

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

    Puhoi

    Kawakawa

    Paihia

Day 3

Bay of Islands Cruise

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Bay of Islands Cruise

Commonly known as the ‘winterless north’ New Zealand’s Bay of Islands is made up of over 140 subtropical atolls. Renowned for its untouched beaches and abundant marine life, this tropical paradise ticks all the boxes. Head out on a dolphin cruise through the Hole in the Rock this morning. Learn about our culture in Waitangi, the site where The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the Maori and European settlers dictating the terms by which New Zealand would become a British colony.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sea Spray Suites4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Dolphin Cruise Hole in the Rock with Fullers GreatSights

    Waitangi Treaty GroundsOptional Activity

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    Destinations

    Paihia

    Russell

    Waitangi

Day 4

Bay of Islands to Snells Beach

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Bay of Islands to Snells Beach

From the Bay of Islands, leave the Pacific Ocean for the wilder shores of Hokianga and the Tasman Sea. Small towns Omapere and Opononi are reminiscent of days gone by and are the perfect place to stop for ice cream on a hot day. Head south to the Kauri coast and the Waipoua Forest, home to giant Kauri trees. Not to be missed is the five-minute loop to the largest Kauri, Tane Mahuta. Backtrack to the Matakohe Kauri Museum and continue on the road to Snells Beach.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Snells Beach Motel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Waipoua ForestOptional Activity

    Kauri MuseumOptional Activity

    MatakanaOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Paihia to Snells Beach

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Paihia

    Waipoua Kauri Forest

    Matakohe

    Snells Beach

    Matakana

Day 5

Drive back to Auckland

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Drive back to Auckland

You'll have a short drive south back to Auckland to drop your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey. We hope to see you for another New Zealand package vacation soon!

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Snells Beach to Auckland Airport

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Snells Beach

Included in Price

  • 4 nights accommodation
  • 1 activity
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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