Bay of Islands Winterless North Tour

• Get up to $60 cash back per person when you book with us
• A 3-day Bay of Islands adventure, exploring this beautiful part of the North Island
• 3 nights high-end hostel accommodation, in shared dorm rooms with shared facilities
• 3 breakfasts, & 1 fish & chip dinner with bay views
• Meet Tane Mahuta – the ancient kauri tree and 'Lord of the Forest'
• Marvel at Hokianga Harbour & its giant sand dunes
• A catamaran sundowner cruise around the inner bays of Paihia, Opua, Russel & Waitangi
• A guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds 
• Services of an expert tour manager
• Transport onboard a comfortable 22-seat Toyota Coaster 
• Departs from the meeting point at Haka Lodge Auckland, 373 Karangahape Road, Auckland (meeting location may change, please check your final documents for the confirmed location

• Optional activities & accommodation upgrades

We love that this tour shows you some of New Zealand's quirky features like the Hundertwasser Toilets and awesome Hokianga Harbour!

Venture out on this 3-day Bay of Islands tour to the region known as 'The Winterless North'! You'll explore some truly spectacular scenery and have plenty of opportunities to participate in some once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Lush green hills, sweeping beaches, epic marine life, giant sand dunes, idyllic islands, and settlements steeped in culture and history – the Northland and Bay of Islands region is truly special.

There are many included activities and stops, including visiting Tane Mahuta – the Lord of the Forest, taking time to explore Waitangi Treaty Grounds, short walks through lush subtropical rainforest, and enjoying fish and chips at sunset. You'll also visit picture-perfect waterfalls and take a rest stop at the quirky Hundertwasser Toilets. The tour even includes a relaxing sundowner sunset cruise in the Bay of Islands.

Day 1 – Auckland to Paihia

You'll start with an 8.00 am welcome breakfast today before your adventure kicks off! Start with a scenic drive to the subtropical "Winterless North". This is the name given to the Northland region of New Zealand, as it's one of the sunniest in the country.

The area is home to some seriously ancient and impressive kauri forests. Stop at the largest, the Waipoua Forest, to meet Tane Mahuta, the biggest tree! At over 1,250 years old and over 51 metres tall, he's looking pretty good for his age.

You'll also visit Hokianga Harbour, known for its 150-metre high sand dunes. If the weather's good and the tides are on your side, you've got the option of sandboarding down into the beautiful water.

Later, it's back on the road and onto the town of Paihia, the jewel of the Bay of Islands. You'll arrive in the early evening, and as the sun sets, you'll indulge in a fish and chip feast overlooking the water. It doesn't get more Kiwi than that!

Day 2 – Paihia

With more than 140 sub-tropical islands dotted around the coastline, there's plenty to fill your day. Hitting the water is the best way to enjoy the coves and beaches here, and the optional activities are endless. Cruise through a natural rock archway, explore the ocean floor on a scuba mission, sail in search of the local dolphins (or even swim with them!), or snorkel your way around beautiful islands.

For an epic day of exploration, take a road trip to Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of New Zealand, to see where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide. It's an unforgettable sight. Alternatively, thrill-seekers will relish the chance to fly high above the ocean on a parasailing adventure. Or, you can hire a kayak, sailboat or stand-up paddleboard and check out the Bay of Islands from sea level. 

Whatever you choose, you can be sure you'll have an incredible day in this watery paradise.

Finally, in the evening, hop on board a catamaran for a Sundowner Cruise! Departing at 5:00 pm, you'll enjoy some smooth sailing aboard a catamaran and explore the inner bays of Paihia, Opua, Russel and Waitangi from a different perspective.

Day 3 – Paihia to Auckland

Just like that, it's time to wave goodbye to the spectacular Bay of Islands. But there are a few activities left in store before you do! 

Discover the Bay of Islands' important role in New Zealand's history with a trip to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. With a great museum and lots to see, this spot provides unforgettable insight into Maori culture. The 35-metre carved waka (ceremonial war canoe) is the world's biggest and is a must-see.

Then, after lunch, it's back on the bus and back on the road. However, there's time for an extraordinary rest stop in Kawakawa, where you'll get a glimpse into the quirky side of New Zealand. Check out the grass-roofed, mosaic-covered and cobblestoned Hundertwasser Toilets! There's even a living tree in there – a bit different from your normal loos! 

There are also some beautiful waterfalls around the area, which your guides know how to find. Stop off at one for a little break.

Later, you'll head back to Auckland via Northland's east coast, which boasts stunning beaches and coastal walks. Be sure to have your swimwear handy; if there's time, you'll get to squeeze in a swim at your guide's favourite spots! 

After an epic day, you'll reach the bright lights of the City of Sails in the early evening – and bid farewell to your new pals from the tour. Tonight's accommodation is also included.

Where we Visit:

• Paihia
• Waipoua Forest
• Hokianga Harbour
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds
• Kawakawa 
• Auckland

• The minimum age is 18 years
• The Operator requires a minimum number of bookings in order for a tour to be financially viable & to have a pleasant group atmosphere
• Itineraries are subject to alteration without notice & are intended as a guide only. The Operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without any notice
• Some activities are strenuous in nature. Passengers should be of reasonable health and fitness and carry all required medication and accept that degrees of risk are involved. The Operator must be advised of any prior medical conditions at the time of booking

• If for any reason you do need to cancel your tour there are a few things to be aware of. Your $99 is a non-refundable deposit, however, in the event that you need to cancel outside of the cancellation period The Operator will hold your deposit on file for life & this can be used towards a future departure
• Upon cancellation, you will be liable to pay a fee to cover the cost of expenses incurred by The Operator at the time of booking in the below schedule. Tour Cost is inclusive of any additional activities and pre/post accommodation
  • Outside 45 days Notice – Loss of $99NZD
  • 8–44 days Notice – 50% of tour cost
  • Within 7 Days Notice – 100% of tour cost
• Changes to activities & additional accommodation are not permitted within 45 days of departure to tour
• If you need to change to an alternative departure date you may do so in accordance with the below fees:
  • Outside 45 days Notice – No fee
  • 8–44 days Notice – $500 Admin Fee
  • Within 7 Days Notice – 100% of tour cost