• Pricing From TBC*
  • Single Supplement TBC*
  • From Auckland
  • Duration 7 Days
  • Max Group Size 15
  • Activity Level Easy Going
  • Departs 2025
  • Returns 2025

Sublime scenery featuring rolling lush green hills, pristine coastal expanses and sparkling turquoise waters are just a few of the highlights to be found in the stunning Northland region of New Zealand. Join Bill Peach Journeys as we indulge all of our senses exploring the breathtaking northernmost reaches of New Zealand’s North Island. We will cruise the breathtaking azures of the Bay of Islands and view the famous “Hole in the Rock”. Marvel at the scenic panorama that unfolds during our flight over many of the 144 islands of this region and take in the striking Cape Reinga and its lighthouse where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. Discover the beautiful Tutukaka Coast and the stunning Hokianga region. We will explore the fascinating history of Northland from swashbuckling tales of whalers and sealers from Russell to the loggers and gum diggers of the kauri industry. Learn about the historical Waitangi Treaty signing between the Māori and the British Crown and the lives of early settlers at Marsden Cross, Clendon House and Rawane. The Bay of Islands has so much to offer, join us!

Highlights

  • Spend 6 nights at stylish accommodation throughout the journey
  • Touring of the quaint township of Russell, historic Rawane, the beautiful Tutukaka Coast and the stunning Hokianga region
  • Marvel at the breathtaking Bay of Islands from the air during a scenic flight which takes in many of its 144 islands plus Cape Reinga
  • Cruise the spectacular Bay of Islands spotting native birds and animals and viewing the acclaimed “Hole in the Rock”
  • Visit Waitangi Treaty House and discover the fascinating history of Northland’s Māori and early settlers
  • Visit the unique Sculptureum to view local artwork
  • All meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Your own room with no single supplement charge
  • Escorted throughout by a Journey Director

Tour Departures

Tour Code NB2500*
Departs 2025
Returns 2025
Price From TBC*
Single Supplement TBC*
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Transfer from Auckland Airport to your stylish hotel. Relax this afternoon or explore New Zealand’s largest and most diverse city overlooking the picturesque Hauraki Gulf. Your welcome dinner will be hosted by your Journey Director tonight, a perfect chance to meet your fellow travellers.
Overnight: Cordis Auckland or similar
Day 2: Auckland - Whangarei - Paihia
Head north this morning stopping first at Sculptureum, a fascinating gallery with a difference featuring the world of art, food and wine. Explore the sculpture-filled gardens, art galleries, and vineyard before lunching at Rothko restaurant where the menu is inspired by the sea and fertile land of the region. This afternoon we head further north along the beautiful Tutukaka Coast known for the striking turquoise waters of its quiet beaches and bays. We will view the gentle waters of Ngunguru and Tutukaka Harbours before arriving at the white sand expanse of Matapouri. We continue on to spectacular Paihia, known as the gateway to the Bay of Islands.
Overnight: Pahia Beach Resort & Spa or similar
Day 3: Russell
This morning we take a ferry across to historic Russell. Today, a quaint township featuring exquisitely restored heritage buildings, at the turn of the 19th century, Russell was New Zealand’s first permanent European settlement and served as a swashbuckling shore station for whalers and sealers. This afternoon we cruise the breathtaking Bay of Islands including the famous “Hole in the Rock” while keeping our eyes peeled for dolphins, whales, penguins and other sea birds.
Overnight: Pahia Beach Resort & Spa or similar
Day 4: Cape Reinga
View the breathtaking Bay of Islands from the air during our scenic flight which takes in many of its 144 islands plus Cape Reinga and its lighthouse. Majestically sitting at the northwesternmost tip of the Aupouri Peninsula where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean collide in a stunning swirl of currents, Cape Reinga is called ‘the place of leaping’, where Māori spirits begin their final journey. This afternoon we explore Waitangi Treaty House and Grounds where in 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the Māori and the British Crown. Following, a visit to Te Tii including Tapuaetahi Beach and Marsden Cross, the location of New Zealand’s first Christian service.
Overnight: Pahia Beach Resort & Spa or similar
Day 5: Paihia - Hokianga
Today we drive to Hokianga, a harbour town featuring a fascinating Māori and European past. We tour the historic town of Rawene noted for its heritage buildings and buzzing arts scene. Clendon House will provide us with an insight into early settler history.
Overnight: The Heads Hokianga or similar
Day 6: Hokianga - Auckland
On our return south we stop first at the award-winning Kauri Museum to learn about the kauri industry before visiting Waipoua Forest renowned for its towering kauri trees and rare birds. Next, we visit Dargaville Museum noted for its Māori, maritime, pioneer and gumdigger history. We drive along Kaipara, the largest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere before arriving back in Auckland for our farewell dinner this evening.
Overnight: Cordis Auckland or similar
Day 7: Depart Auckland
After breakfast, we transfer to Auckland Airport taking with us memories of a delightful Bay of Islands Sojourn.

About Sojourns

Our Sojourn programmes are short break journeys put together in conjunction with themes, events or experiences. These programmes range from cruising New Zealand’s North Islands to world-class sporting events and unique experiences throughout Australia and New Zealand.

About Single Traveller Journeys

We recognise the specific requirements of single travellers and that’s why a number of our journeys are single supplement free, affording you the benefit of your own single room, without any, or with significantly reduced extra cost. In fact, over 40% of our guests travel alone and return to Bill Peach Journeys again and again. In this way, you can enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow travellers during the day, along with the safety and security of travelling with an escorted group, but still retire to your own personal room in the evening.  Note: The single supplement free offer cannot be taken in conjunction with any other offer.

Fully inclusive

This journey includes accommodation, all meals as specified, touring throughout, transfers, services of a dedicated Journey Director.

Coaches

The coaches that we use for the ground component of this journey are fully air-conditioned.

Pre Tour

Flights from your home port to Auckland are not included in the journey price. Should you require flights to and from Auckland, we can provide a competitive quote on airfares and pre and post-tour accommodation in Auckland, at the commencement and conclusion of your journey.

Level of Fitness Required – Easy Going

These journeys are not physically demanding unless you want them to be. They include easy guided walks, which are mainly on flat ground. There will be times when you are required to board a launch for shore excursions. You must be able to walk up to 1 kilometre unaided and will not need any foreseen assistance throughout the journey. For all clients to fully enjoy this travel experience, excellent health and mobility is required by all.

We strongly urge you to consider the fitness rating before selecting your preferred journey, in respect for your fellow travellers. Bill Peach Journeys reserves the right to refuse travel to any client whose fitness level is below the recommended rating.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover you against such things as personal illness or accident, cancellation, loss of baggage etc. Please make sure you carry a copy of your Travel Insurance policy with you at all times.

Terms and Conditions

Please refer to the T&C’s for more information. Terms & Conditions (PDF)

* 2023 dates, pricing and itinerary are subject to change upon confirmation

* Free Single Supplement Offer – Conditions apply, please contact Bill Peach Journeys for details.

* Due to current travel restrictions, there may be operational / date changes required. We will continue to work with suppliers to monitor the situation.