3-Day Bay of Islands Trip from Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

This comprehensive 3-day tour of the Bay of Islands is ideal for the first time visitor to New Zealand. With natural beauty, rocky islets and pristine beaches, the Bay of Islands is the water playground of the North Island. Learn about Maori culture, travel to the northernmost point of New Zealand and take a cruise through the famous "Hole in the Rock".

Day 1 - Auckland to Bay of Islands

Depart Auckland on an air-conditioned coach via the Auckland Harbour Bridge, heading north along the Hibiscus Coast to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Arriving in the town of Paihia, also known as the jewel of the Bay of Islands, you'll visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It was here that the 1840 treaty was signed between Maori and the British Crown. Spend the rest of your day at your own leisure. Accommodation at the Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands or similar.

Day 2 - Cape Reinga, Bay of Islands

Your tour departs this morning and takes you through Puketi Kauri Forest, an ancient subtropical rainforest. You'll travel along the aptly named Ninety Mile Beach to the northernmost point of New Zealand, Cape Reinga. A BBQ lunch is included, followed by an afternoon museum visit before returning to Paihia. Accommodation at the Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands or similar.

Day 3 - Bay of Islands to Auckland

This morning you will board the Fullers Cruise for a memorable trip to Cape Brett and Piecy Island, traveling through the famous "Hole in the Rock" (weather permitting). On your return, disembark in Russell, the first capital of New Zealand, and enjoy a sightseeing tour of this historic township. Board the ferry back to Paihia, then rejoin your coach for the return to Auckland, where your tour concludes.

Accommodation: The Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands has a sub-tropical resort ambience and is situated at the entrance to the seaside town of Paihia. It is a pleasant stroll into town to access the main wharf, visitor activities, fine dining and shopping. All rooms include Sky TV, minibar, fridge, telephone, high-speed internet access, hair dryer and ironing facilities. Hotel facilities include 24-hour reception, swimming pool, internet kiosk, lounge bar and restaurant.

Special Offer - Save 10% off the recommended retail price for travel May 1 to August 31, 2012.  BOOK NOW! - Book Now!

USD $651.92

Traveler Reviews

Review by: RACHEL P	February 2012
I recently returned from a three day trip to the Bay of Islands organized by Viator travel._br/_ I can’t praise the company highly enough. Every detail was covered, all the pick-ups were efficient and on time and the individual trips were wonderful._br/_ The various guides were so well informed and helpful and the accommodation was more than adequate. A short but memorable trip to an utterly stunning part of the world. Highly recommended. Rose

Review by: Christine F	October 2011
A very informative and well organised tour that fitted in what we wanted to do. All elements of the tour were excellent value for money and I would highly recommend this tour as a way to see all of the northern part of North Island.

Review by: Frances C	August 2011
All in all a great trip although didn't realise it was all different companies and trips. This was fine although could have had clearly overall instructions. We had an list for day one and given tickets for other days for trips, but driver did answer all our questions as to what to do. Almost ended badley as were waiting for a Greys bus to pick us up and as off seasoan and no passeangers we were diverted to a Great Sights bus. It would have been good to have been contacted to tell us that. It almost went without us! But great trip when time is short saw a lot.

Review by: Alan R	May 2011
The second day to the top of NZ with the Dune Rider was a 5! The driver so knowledge able and really made the trip so special by reversing route to avoid other tourist travel. The driver going up was really chatty but good local perspective. I recommend personal earphones for the trip back the final night so that you can listen to video's/music or not. A real top notch operation...would use again for sure!

Review by: Mary Lou S	February 2011
We had a marvelous experience. Due to weather (Cyclone Wilma) tour operator had to use heroic measures to get us to Paihia. Once there, the tour proceeded with ease. Unforgettable scenery and such lovely accommodations. We look forward to booking another tour on our next visit to New Zealand.

Review by: Bonnie C	January 2011
Fabulous time in the Bay of Islands!! Worth doing!!

Review by: Coral H	January 2011
A great short trip that covered a lot of touristy things. Sights were well worth the long bus rides. Plus the bus drivers were very entertaining. In places the trips were too long and the lunch included in the 'dune rider' was not very nice.