Daniel Collins - Fine Travel


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Bay of Islands Encounter

2 Days

Starts: Auckland
Finishes: Auckland

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Day 1

Waitangi Treaty Grounds Guided Tour and Cultural Performance

Waitangi is one of New Zealand's most historic sites where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the Māori and the British Government. This two day pass allows you access to the Treaty of Waitangi Grounds and includes admission to the Te Kōngahu Museum and Te Rau Aroha Museum and a Maori Cultural performance. During your guided tour, learn about the history of the treaty and discover the stories and events that shaped New Zealand. The cultural performance inside the carved meeting house includes waiata (singing), poi and the haka - a war dance Aotearoa-New Zealand is well known for.

Details

Paihia Central/Coach Stop to Paihia Accommodation with Haruru Cabs

On arrival to Paihia, you will be transferred from Paihia Central to your accommodation. 

Auckland to Paihia, Bay of Islands by InterCity Coach

Leave Auckland and head North to the Bay of Islands. Taking you along the coast road past the seaside villages of Orewa and Waiwera. Then it's on to the township of Puhoi, New Zealand's only Bohemian settlement, then Warkworth and the harbourside city of Whangarei and the unique township of Kawakawa. Arriving into the subtropical Bay of Islands you are greeted with bush-clad hillsides dropping to golden sand beaches. Paihia is the main centre of the bay and has a great beachside atmosphere.

Accommodation

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands is located within the Waitangi Treaty grounds, surrounded by native bush and the beautiful Bay of Islands Harbour.

Day 2

Paihia, Bay of Islands to Auckland with InterCity Coach

Leaving the magical Bay of Islands behind you head south on State Highway 1 back towards Auckland, the "City of Sails". The route takes you through Kawakawa, affectionately known as 'train town'. The farming regions of Wellsford and Warkworth accompany you the rest of the journey before passing through the suburbs of the North Shore and crossing the harbour bridge and into the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland City.

Details

Land on the Hole in the Rock - Heli Scenic Flight & Landing Time Away: 35 minutes

For many years visitors have come to the Bay of Islands to venture through this top New Zealand icon the Hole in the Rock on boats, we have flown them over it thousands of times, and it has been admired by many for its unique appearance and history. Now you can experience it up close and on foot, landing by helicopter on our newly built helipad on top of the island. You will have a brief stop on the island helipad and viewing platform for those unique photos to be taken! Very few people in history, including Maori, have ever ventured on the island in this way before. Being surrounded by steep cliffs (over 150 metres high) and stunning scenery looking towards Cape Brett and its surrounds, this unique landing location will no doubt appeal to the adventurous.

Paihia Accommodation to Paihia central/coach stop with Haruru Cabs

You will be transferred from your accommodation to Paihia Central. 

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Russell Mini Tour with Fullers GreatSights

Known until the early 1840s as Kororāreka, Russell was the first town and sea port in New Zealand. The Bay of Islands offered a safe anchorage and by the 1830s Russell had become a lawless trading centre where whalers, seafarers and merchants mixed with adventurers, deserters and escaped convicts from Australia. Today the town once called the “Hell Hole of the Pacific” is a charming and tranquil spot. This intimate one-hour coach tour visits many of Russell’s iconic locations that make it so significant in New Zealand’s early history. Your tour will be led by an engaging guide whose combination of historical knowledge and local insight will bring the culture and history of the area to life.