Travel from Auckland to the first official centre of government in  New Zealand. Visit Waitangi where Maori and European came together to sign a treaty of understanding between both parties formalising New Zealand's future as part of the British Empire. Continue across the harbour for a guided tour of Russell steeped in  both political and early whaling history before returning to Paihia to your accommodation. We recommend that you visit one of the many restaurants in both Paihia and Russell during your stay. Take a trip to the top of the North Island on day two.

Visit Cape Reinga travelling there via ninety mile beach. Return via the coastal settlements of Manganui and Kerikeri. Travel by high speed catamaran the following morning to Piercy Island, location of the famous "Hole in the Rock"? this hole is large enough for the boat to sail through! The area also rich in marine life, Dolphins, Fur Seals and sometimes Orcas are seen in the area. On your return journey stop at Urapukapuka Island, one of the many which make the Bay of Islands one of the most pleasant boating locations in New Zealand.. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before returning to Auckland. 

HIGHLIGHTS:

Day One - Auckland / Russell / Paihia

• THE NORTH SHORE:
  Head over the Harbour Bridge via Auckland's northern suburbs.
• HIBISCUS COAST:
  Popular holiday and retirement resort with beautiful beaches.
• WHANGAREI:
  Northland's only city and largest port (note - the coach does not stop here).
• WAITANGI TREATY HOUSE:
  Site of the historic treaty between the Maori and European pioneers. View a magnificent Maori meeting house and large war canoe.
• RETURN RUSSELL FERRY:
  Travel across the bay to the beginning of European colonisation in New Zealand.
• RUSSELL:
  Join Russell Mini Tours for sightseeing around this fascinating township with its early whaling and political history. Enjoy lunch (optional at extra cost) and shopping along the waterfront before joining the ferry back to Paihia.
• PAIHIA:
  Take time to explore the busier side of the bay with its shops and arcades. You may even see a big game fish being weighed in at the wharf.
• KINGSGATE HOTEL AUTOLODGE OR SIMILAR:
  Your accommodation for the next two nights. Enjoy a meal in their restaurant or at one of the many restaurants in the village (meals at extra cost).

Day Two - Cape Reinga Day Tour - Join a full-day tour to the top of the North Island.

• PUKETI KAURI FOREST:
  Be over-awed by these huge native Kauri trees, many are hundreds of years old.
• NINETY MILE BEACH:
  Travel by coach along this magnificent beach.
• TE PAKI STREAM:
  Climb the huge sand dunes of this desert-like area.
• CAPE REINGA:
  The top of New Zealand where the Pacific Ocean crashes into the Tasman Sea. Boxed lunch is included near this spectacular location.
• RETURN TO PAIHIA:
  Arrive at your hotel at approximately 6:30 pm.

Day Three - Cape Brett / Auckland

• CAPE BRETT:
  Cruise by spectacular islands that make this location famous as you head to Cape Brett. Travel through the Hole In The Rock, the highlight of your tour (subject to sea conditions).
• URUAPUKAPUKA ISLAND:
  Time for exploring this delightful island.
• PAIHIA AT LEISURE:
  Spend the afternoon on the beach at Paihia, go shopping, sightseeing or laze at the poolside of your hotel.
• RETURN TO AUCKLAND:
  Your coach will pick you up from the Maritime Building at 4.20pm.