Tour Overview
Embark on the "Enchanting Northland" tour and explore the stunning landscapes and rich history of New Zealand's North Island. Begin your journey in vibrant Auckland, where you can indulge in the city's diverse culinary scene. Travel to Tutukaka, renowned for its breathtaking coastline, and enjoy a day cruise to the Poor Knights Islands, a marine reserve with unique biodiversity and volcanic origins. Discover the beauty of Matapouri Beach and Whangarei Falls along the way. In Paihia, enjoy a free day to dive, sail, or relax on the beaches of the Bay of Islands. Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn about New Zealand's cultural heritage. With a local leader to guide you, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland
Location: Auckland, Auckland Sky Tower, Auckland War Memorial Museum
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to New Zealand! Your adventure begins in Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) with a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not check out the Auckland Sky Tower – the tallest building in New Zealand. If the mood strikes, you can also jump off the Sky Tower (with a harness, of course). Maybe visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum or walk around the CBD at your own pace and pick one of the excellent spots for lunch. Tonight, you’ll head out for a welcome dinner with your group to get to know each other. ...more ...less
Day 2: Auckland / Tutukaka
Location: Auckland, Whangarei Falls, Matapouri Beach, Tutukaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café for a dose of warm Kiwi hospitality. Then, take a scenic drive to Tutukaka, stopping at Whangarei Falls along the way. This 26 m-high waterfall is a great spot for a photo! Continue along the coastline to Matapouri Beach. With the soft sand under your feet. You can take some time to enjoy the soothing sounds of the ocean. This is a perfect spot to relax, unwind and appreciate the surroundings. Arrive in Tutukaka tonight – a coastal city known for its scenic views, world-famous beaches and coastline (rated one of the top three coastlines in the world by National Geographic Traveller!).
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Tutukaka / Paihia
Location: Poor Knights Islands, Rikoriko Cave, Paihia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast this morning, you’ll set sail on a full-day cruise to the Poor Knights Islands. As a total Marine Reserve, the islands boast 11-million-year-old volcanic origins, featuring some pretty memorable drop-offs, walls, caves, arches and tunnels both above and below the water. The rich biodiversity includes plant, animal and fish life unique to the area, so if you’re a wildlife buff this might be the highlight of your trip! Your day will be filled with sightseeing, kayaking, exploring caves, snorkelling, swimming, spotting sea mammals and learning the history of the islands. The highlight of the day is a visit to the world's largest sea cave – Rikoriko Cave, only accessible by boat. Finish your day with a scenic drive to Paihia, where you’ll spend the night.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Paihia
Location: Paihia, Bay of Islands, Hole in the Rock, Russell
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a free day in Paihia – this coastal town is known as the gateway to the popular dive sites and sandy beaches of the bay. With more than 140 sub-tropical islands dotted around the coastline, there’s plenty to see and do here! Maybe hit the water and explore the many coves and beaches or take a cruise through the natural rock archway. Explore the ocean floor on a scuba mission or maybe set sail in search of local dolphins. If you’re looking for a hit of adrenaline, why not consider going skydiving? Your leader will have the inside scoop on optional activities and the best places to refuel for lunch and dinner.
Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Paihia / Auckland
Location: Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, you’ll discover the Bay of Islands’ important role in New Zealand’s history with a trip to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Get an insight into Māori culture and see the 35 m carved waka (a ceremonial war canoe) – the biggest in the world! After lunch, say goodbye to the bay and start the journey back to Auckland via Northland’s east coast. Make sure to grab a window seat if you can, as the scenic beaches and coastal walks along the way pass you by. Arrive back in Auckland in the late afternoon, where your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in New Zealand’s north island, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights) -
Meals
4 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 1 dinners -
Matapouri Beach - Visit
A visit to Matapouri Beach is included in the tour.
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Whangarei Falls - Visit
A visit to Whangarei Falls is included in the tour.
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Tutukaka - Poor Knights Islands Day Cruise
A day cruise to the Poor Knights Islands from Tutukaka is included in the tour.
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Waitangi - Treaty Grounds
A visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is included in the tour.
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Private Vehicle and Boat Transport
Transport during the tour includes private vehicles and boats.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as skydiving, island hopper day cruise, and scuba diving in the Bay of Islands are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals are not included.
Transport
- Private Vehicle , Boat
Accommodation
- Accommodation is on a twin share basis, and single travellers are paired with someone of the same sex. On rare occasions there may be triple rooms. Single supplement room upgrades can be requested at the time of booking.
Important Information
- SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
- A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private vehicles and enjoy scenic boat rides as part of your journey through New Zealand's stunning landscapes.
Accommodation
Accommodation is on a twin share basis, with single travellers paired with someone of the same sex. Occasionally, there may be triple rooms. Single supplement room upgrades can be requested at the time of booking.
Check out our Q&As
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What activities are included during the cruise to the Poor Knights Islands?
During the cruise to the Poor Knights Islands, you will have the opportunity to engage in sightseeing, kayaking, exploring caves, snorkeling, swimming, spotting sea mammals, and learning about the history of the islands. The highlight of the day is a visit to the world's largest sea cave, Rikoriko Cave, which is only accessible by boat. ...more ...less
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What can I do during the free day in Paihia?
During the free day in Paihia, you can explore the many coves and beaches, take a cruise through the natural rock archway, go on a scuba diving mission, or set sail in search of local dolphins. For those seeking adventure, skydiving is also an option. Your tour leader will provide information on optional activities and recommend the best places for lunch and dinner. ...more ...less
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What historical site will we visit in the Bay of Islands?
In the Bay of Islands, you will visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where you will gain insight into Māori culture and see the 35-meter carved waka, which is the biggest ceremonial war canoe in the world.
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What is the accommodation arrangement for this tour?
Accommodation is on a twin share basis, with single travelers paired with someone of the same sex. On rare occasions, there may be triple rooms. Single supplement room upgrades can be requested at the time of booking.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enchanting Northland
5 Days Starting and ending in Auckland, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Auckland Sky Tower, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Whangarei Falls, Matapouri Beach, Tutukaka, Poor Knights Islands, Rikoriko Cave, Paihia, Bay of Islands, Hole in the Rock, Russell, Waitangi Treaty Grounds ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PHKR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-99
