The Bay of Islands Luxury Day Tour From Auckland

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Pass By: Auckland Harbour Bridge, Curran St, Auckland Central, Auckland New Zealand

Departing Auckland at 7am our route to “ the winterless north “ takes us past the Westhaven Marina and over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, with it’s commanding views over the city and Waitamata Harbour.

Stop At: Parry Kauri Park, Turdor Collins Drive, Warkworth, Auckland New Zealand

Highway One north continues beside native and man made forest, over hilly terrain with great views of rolling countryside and sea vistas. We call into Kauri Parry Park, to view a fine example of a 600 year old Kauri tree.

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Brynderwyns Scenic Lookout, 4800-4482, State Highway 1, Waipu 0582, New Zealand

On through various small settlements, stopping for a coffee/tea break at the Brynderwyn Hills. From the 450m summit, Bream Bay and the Hen & Chicken Island’s panorama greets us. Continue through Northland’s only city Whangarei

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Opua General Store, 1 Beechy St, Opua 0200, New Zealand

before arriving in Russell we stop at the small settlement of Opua, New Zealand’s most northern port of entry for overseas vessels and a popular destination for cruising Yachts. We take a short vehicular ferry across to Okiato, formally Old Russell, site of NZ’s first make shift capital

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Russell Museum, 2 York Street, Russell 0202 New Zealand

Just a short drive to present day historic Russell. We arrive in The Bay of Islands. Formally Kororareka, a long established Maori settlement before Captain Cook’s visit in 1769 and later a provisioning port for South Sea whalers from the early 1800’s, present day Russell has a turbulent history. Our tour takes us along the Promenade with it’s many interesting historic buildings. Russell Museum is well worth a visit and included, before having lunch.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Flagstaff Hill, Russell New Zealand

Enjoy 360 degree views of the Bay of Islands from this important historic site where the Union Jack was first flown here in 1840

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Oneroa Bay, Longbeach Road, Russell New Zealand

We visit Long Bay (Oneroa) a beautiful golden sand clear water beach with views out to Roberton Island and beyond, a great place to cool off with a swim.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Christ Church, Church Street, Russell New Zealand

The oldest existing church in NZ - 1836 complete with musket holes from the Maori Wars, while the gravestones make for interesting reading

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Hole in the Rock, Motukokako Island, Russell, New Zealand

Now it’s time to board your three hour Cruise out through the numerous island’s that make up the bay (144 in total), to Motu Kōkako or Piercy Island, most commonly known as Hole in The Rock. Opposite Cape Brett. Weather and sea conditions permitting, your captain will skillfully guide the boat through this 18 meter naturally formed cavern. Dolphins are common, plus other marine life and even the occasional whale can be spotted while cruising. Upon your return to Russell, we head straight back to Auckland.

Duration: 3 hours