Naturally Northland 5 Nights - North Island From $2,799 per person (Hotel) From $3,199 per person(Boutique)
Northland and the Bay of Islands is rich in culture and history and blessed with a pristine natural environment. Considered the "Birthplace of our Nation", learn about the arrival of the first Māori canoes and the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Enjoy golden beaches, secluded coves, tranquil harbours, warm waters, dramatic coastline and spectacular forest. An aquatic playground and a land of unspoilt natural beauty, experience internationally renowned fishing, diving and boating. Experience a scenic flight to New Zealand's northernmost point - see the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Ocean's collide! At night, walk amongst the ancient KauriForest, or enjoy a romantic sunset and award winning wines from your coastal accommodation. For those looking for a wonderful way to start your New Zealand vacation we’ve created this fantastic package. We’ve thought of everything to ensure you acclimate upon arrival including meet and greet and early check-in! Let your trip planning begin, from here, we will work with you to plan the rest of your itinerary and create the perfect vacation!
Day 1: Depart Los Angeles or San Francisco on Air New Zealand
Day 2: Cross the international dateline
Day 3: Arrive Auckland Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Early check-in has been arranged so you can freshen up before setting out to explore Auckland. Enjoy an afternoon sail on on Americas Cup boat, NZL40, wander the quaint village of Parnell, take a ride to the top of the Sky Tower for views of Auckland and surrounding harbours, visit the Auckland Museum or soak up the fresh air from a waterfront restaurant at Viaduct Basin.
Day 4: Auckland - Dargaville - Waipoua This morning you will collect your rental vehicle and enjoy a leisurely drive north to Waipoua. You may like to stop along the way to visit the fascinating Kauri Museum in Matakohe. This stunning museum tells the tales of the early settlers who came to fell the Kauri giants, or dig for precious Kauri Gum. This features their life in the forest, the hardships they endured. Allow at least 90 minutes for this fascinating journey into times past.
Continue Nouth – you may elect to call into Baylys Beach (New Zealands longest beach) for your first glimpse of the wild Tasman Sea. Stop by the 'Funky Fish Cafe' for refreshments before arriving at your accommodation, either Copthorne Hotel & Resort Hokianga situated on the shores of the historically significent Hokianga Harbour or 'Waipoua Lodge' - nestled on a ridge overlooking the 9000 ha Waipoua Forest, the historic lodge and apartments are set in landscaped gardens. Your private apartment offers the comforts to warm your soul. Relax in the lodge by the fire, in the library, or choose a soothing wine from the bar. Dinner offers New Zealands best natural produce. Surrounded by deserted, pristine beaches, clear lakes for trout and swimming, forests for hiking, bird watching - Waipoua Lodge is the ideal location to explore this magical area. Your hostess, Nicole will welcome you and ensure you get the most of your stay in this gorgeous area.
Day 5: Waipoua Today, enjoy a wide range of sightseeing experiences from walks in the kauri forests to the Kai Iwi Lakes for swimming, mountain biking, trout fishing, kayaking; or a round of golf at Bayly's Beach, deserted white sand beaches where seals rest, surfcasting, quad biking, horseriding, woodturning or visit local art and craft galleries.
Early evening offers you an 'Experience of a Lifetime' - as featured in Lonely Planet’s publication: *Code Green: ‘Experiences of a Lifetime’. Guided by the same stars that bought the Māori people to New Zealand from Hawaiki, this tour is designed for visitors offering an intimate encounter with the ‘giants’ of the forest. Using well maintained walking tracks this 4-hour night experience visits the oldest and largest known kauri trees in the world; Te Matua Ngahere and Tane Mahuta, the Father and the Lord of the Forest. Let the night noises, foreign environment, time, local Māori guides and ecological and cultural interpretation (Māori story, song and instruments), awaken your senses.
Day 6: Waipoua - Bay of Islands Today you will travel north, exiting the forest as the highway climbs steeply to suddenly reveal the majestic beauty of the historic Hokianga Harbour and views out to the stunning giant sand dunes. Heading inland you will drive towards the Bay of Islands. Stop in Keri Keri township - a place rich with natural resources, it is famous for its local produce and early missionary history. Further on you will arrive in the Bay of Islands - a myriad of secluded beaches, islands and a subtropical paradise. This afternoon you may like to visit one of Northland' greatest icons, the "Waitangi Treaty Grounds". This is a place where, many years ago, Māori and European came together to sign New Zealand's founding document, “The Treaty of Waitangi”. Here you can also see a Māori War Canoe, the Treaty House, a meeting house, all set in the stunning Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Gardens. A private tours is also available at time of booking.
Your accommodation is either the Copthorne Hotel & Resort, located within the Waitangi National Trust estate, set in parklike grounds, the resort is situated beachside and enjoys magnificent views, or Cliff Edge by the Sea, a luxuriously appointed 5 Star Boutique Lodge, without the "5 star attitude and prices". Sitting on a promontory with perhaps the grandest views over the Bay of Islands, Cliff Edge offers a harmonious combination of relaxed elegant accommodation; professional personable from the heart service; million dollar views; and simply the best in cooking. With an innovative "mediterrasian"inspired cuisine and excellent wines. Facilities include, Cliff top outdoor heated spa pool, sauna,dinghy and fishing gear. And nearby sailing, fishing, kayaking, dolphin watching, diving and more. Your hosts Peter and Glennis Meier used to own and operate for 19 years the Award winning 'Casuarina Restaurant and Country Inn' in Australias Hunter Valley Wine Country.
Day 7: Bay of Islands - Half Day Scenic Flight & 4WD Today you will experience an unforgettable half day experience to Cape Reinga and Northland including a scenic flight and 4WD tour. Fly by fixed wing aircraft along the spectacular West Coast and land on a remote air strip. A comfortable 4WD awaits to whisk you away to explore Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northern most point and where the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea collide. Next it’s off to the giant sand dunes for some fun tobogganing - enjoyed by all ages, followed by a spot of morning or afternoon tea on a remote sandy beach before your return flight back down the spectacular East Coast returning via the beautiful Bay of Islands. Get a bird's eye view of some of the most stunning coastal scenery New Zealand has to offer, most of which is inaccessible by road. For those looking for a special occasion treat, let us arrange a helicopter flight to a secluded island beach and a gourmet picnic to enjoy with your loved one!
Day 8: Bay of Islands - Auckland Wake up to wonderful views out over the water. Enjoy a wonderful leisurely breakfast before starting on your way down the East Coast to arrive in Auckland. Your tour ends here, or, if staying on in New Zealand, let us recommend a South Island itinerary, or more of the North Island - depending on your available time.
Package includes:
International Round Trip Economy Class Airfares on Los Angeles or San Francisco to Auckland on Air New Zealand;
Airport to accommodation transfer;
Early check-in upon arrival;
5 Nights double occupancy accommodation;
All breakfasts;
5 Days Intermediate Size Automatic Rental Car, including unlimited kms, daily insurance;
Twilight Encounter - Waipoua Forest;
Cape Reinga Scenic Flight & 4WD;
This itinerary can be customized to suit.
Not Included:
Optional sightseeing experiences;
Meals (unless specified);
Travel Insurance;
Fuel Surcharges and Airline Taxes of up to $310 per person (subject to change without notice)
