8-Day Northland New Zealand Tour

YOUR DAY

Guided: Upon arrival at Auckland Airport, a shuttle driver will be waiting for you as you clear customs. This driver will take you to your accommodation in the city. The day and night are free to spend at your leisure and your guide will meet you tomorrow morning.

Self Drive: Upon arrival at Auckland Airport you will collect your rental vehicle within the airport terminal. Make your way to your inner city accommodation where the day and night are free to spend at your leisure and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Tonight you will enjoy a dining experience like no other, high above Auckland at The Sugar Club, located in the Skytower. There is no better way to re-define your dining experience with fine food, creative cocktails and a well curated wine list in a relaxed and chic atmosphere. With a Chef’s menu that champions seasonality, combining the best in local sustainably sourced produce with the boldest flavours from around the world. The kitchen focuses on flavours and texture, whilst the dining room and bar are an experiential destination with breath-taking views of Auckland City and the Hauraki Gulf. The Sugar Club, sits majestically 53 floors above Auckland City and is the jewel in the crown at the top of the Sky Tower.

YOUR DAY

227km, 3.5 hours driving

Today you will head over ‘The Harbour Bridge’ and say goodbye to New Zealand’s largest city to be greeted by Northland ‘The Winterless North’, famous for its gigantic kauri trees, Māori culture and its stunning beaches.

En route you could visit the Kauri Museum to learn all about New Zealand’s most ancient tree and how its significance has developed over time (optional – extra cost).

You will then visit Whangarei, the capital of the Northland region where you can view the stunning Whangarei Falls, known as the most photographed waterfall in New Zealand due to its ease of access, picturesque bush surrounds and guaranteed 365 day of the year flowing cascade.

From here you head north to Paihia, the hotspot of the well-known ‘Bay of Islands.’

This morning is free to explore the beautiful Bay of Islands. Perhaps enjoy a walk along the beautiful Paihia School Road Track through native bush to Opua Forest Lookout. Today you will take the short ferry (car or passenger) over to Romantic Russell for lunch at the beautiful Duke of Marlborough. Enjoy delicious food and a delightful ocean view. We recommend a wander around the very pleasant village of Russell, a visit to one or several of it’s beautiful pohutukawa lined beaches and (if you go by car) a stop at the site of New Zealand’s first capital!

This afternoon you will head out on the water, enjoying the Hole in the Rock Dolphin cruise. Here you will have stunning views as you sail around the Bay of Islands, visiting Rakaumangaanga Peninsula to Cape Brett. Here you will see Motukokako, the Hole in the Rock. You will have the chance to spot a number of marine wildlife, including dolphins and whales.

YOUR DAY

112km, 1.5 hours driving

This morning you will visit one of New Zealand’s most iconic sites in history, The Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It was here in 1840 that the treaty of Waitangi was officially signed by the native Māori and the British Crown. Waitangi is also home to a supersized Waka (Māori war canoe). It is thought that giant Waka were used by the Māori to navigate their way to New Zealand from the Pacific Islands, using stars for navigation.

Following this, North you go! Today you can check out the quaint seaside villages of Mangonui, Coopers Beach and Taipa in the stunning Doubtless Bay, before reaching the secluded beauty of the Carrington Peninsula and Carrington Estate, where you will stay for 2 nights. Upon arrival you will enjoy a tasting of wines produced by karikari Estate Winery, followed by a complimentary dinner at the resort’s restaurant.

YOUR DAY

275km, 4 hours driving time return

Today you will reach the very Northern tip of Aotearoa/New Zealand! Stand at the top of the cliff and observe the Tasman Sea and Pacific Oceans meeting together in harmony. It is a beautiful sight. Following this, head South back down the road and pull off at Giant Te Paki to see ginormous sand dunes. Here you can rent a boogie board and sandboard your way down these massive slopes. It is quite the thrill! Return to Carrington Lodge in the evening.

Alternatively, you have the option to relax at Carrington Estate. Laze about by the pool or perhaps play a round of golf at Carrington Estate’s on site golf course (additional cost).

YOUR DAY

172km, 2 hours 15 minutes driving

Today you will head South-West towards Opononi/Omapere where you will stay facing the Hokianga Harbour and it’s massive sand dunes.

This evening you will be taken on a tour hosted by local Māori who will take you into the Waipoua Forest to see Tane Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere – 2 of Aotearoa’s largest and most majestic trees. Learn of the significance of these trees to the Māori people as day turns in to night in this breath-taking forest. Experience the affinity that Māori have with the forest and the deep spiritual respect they have for these sentinels who have stood silently witnessing the passing of time. Your guide will share thought-provoking information, humorous banter, stories and legends before respectfully greeting the oldest and largest known kauri trees in the world with spine-tingling chants and song.

YOUR DAY

261km, 3 hours 40 minutes driving 

This morning you will discover one of Aotearoa’s best cultural experiences – Manea Footprints of Kupe. A unique multi-sensory journey into the Māori world. Manea – Footprints of Kupe is a 75-minute multisensory journey of guided storytelling – through art, taonga (cultural treasures), film, performance, digital interaction, and the splendour of Hokianga’s natural surroundings. The descendants of Kupe welcome you, as do the spirits of our ancestors. Enter Te Hokianga-nui-a-Kupe, our sacred cradle of tribal histories. Walk with us in the footprints of our ancestor – Kupe the intrepid, Kupe the voyager, Kupe the discoverer.

Following this, you will drive through Waipoua Forest where you will have another opportunity to see the impressive kauri trees by day on one of several forest walks in the area. New Zealand only has around 1 percent of its beautiful Kauri trees remaining and they can only be seen in the Northern part of the North Island.

Heading South to Auckland down the west coast through Dargaville, you arrive in Auckland in the evening.

YOUR DAY

Today you will transfer to Auckland Airport for your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you’ve had an excellent time in New Zealand and wish you safe travels to your next destination.

Onward flight is not included.