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Bay of Islands - Northland
Te Tai-tokerau
Map of Bay of Islands
Accommodation Options

Exclusive Private Charter Sailing Experience:
Take the helm and experience sailing a catamaran amongst the stunning myriad of islands in the Bay of Islands. A two hour stopover allows plenty of time to enjoy a delicious light lunch and explore isolated beaches and lush, uninhabited islands. Observe the unique bird and marine life, and enjoy the chance to swim or snorkel and view playful dolphins. Try your hand at a bit of fishing with our rods and bait or relax on the spacious trampolines or enjoy the seats on each bow. Your hosts, Don and Marilyn are a very experienced seafaring couple and will show you a fabulous day of cruising the spectacular Bay of Islands. Their sailing catamaran is very stable making this an enjoyable experience even for the less experienced.
Privately Guided Bay of Islands Highlights:
This day-tour with a local driver-guide will let you experience the Northland with a series of activities and stops tailored to suit your particular interests, and guaranteed to give you a local's perspective on this beautiful region.  Immerse yourself into the past with Russell Township sightseeing and history or a walk around the Waitangi Treaty House & Grounds; Learn the culinary side of this region with wine tasting, try New Zealanders favorite Hokey Pokey ice cream, a visit to a beef and sheep farm, cheese tasting, or an educational tour of a kiwifruit orchard; delve into the nature of the Northland with a walk in Puketi Kauri forest or a visit to a local orchid hothouse. There are many options to choose from. Meet your guide in the morning and plan an unforgettable day together!
Roberton Island
Cape Reinga and Northland Scenic Flight & 4WD:
The Cape Reinga and Northland five hour tour is an unforgettable experience. Fly one hour up the West Coast, enjoy two and a half hours exploring the top of New Zealand in a comfortable 4WD - from Cape Reinga on to the giant sand dunes for some fun tobogganing! Then spend an hour flying 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, much of which cannot be reached any other way!
Coastal Discovery Heli Flight:
Explore the unique and stunning coastline surrounding the Bay of Islands region. You will fly north via the outer island group in the Bay, following a route via the exclusive Purerua peninsula, the coastal settlements and beautiful beaches of Takou Bay, Tapuaetahi, Mahineapua, Matauri Bay and the Cavalli Islands. You will cruise over the picturesque Kerikeri inlet and townships of Kerikeri and Waitangi before landing back on the Paihia Waterfront. Flight duration approximately 30 minutes.
Maori Meeting House
Māori Culture Experience:
Considered the Birthplace of a Nation – the Bay of Islands is the place to experience a sharing of insight about New Zealand’s past, present and Māori Culture. This privately guided two hour experience is led by a Māori guide at one of Northland's 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. You'll learn about the historic and cultural significance of this area, see a Māori War Canoe, the Treaty House, and a meeting house, all set in the stunning Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Gardens.
Tane Mahuta - "The Lord of the Forest"
Twilight Encounter - Waipoua Forest:
The silhouettes of the forest and the sounds of the night are a theatrical performance you won’t want to miss! Guided by the same stars that bought the Māori people to New Zealand from Hawaiki, this tour offers an intimate encounter with the ‘giants’ of the forest. This four hour night experience visits the oldest and largest known kauri trees in the world, Te Matua Ngahere (The Father of the forest) and Tane Mahuta (The Lord of the forest). Let the sounds of the night, foreign environment, time, local Māori guides and ecological and cultural interpretation (Māori story, song and instruments), awaken your senses. Voted one of 82 'Experiences of a Lifetime' by Lonely Planet 2006.
Images provided by:  Salt Air and Destination Northland
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Active Downunder
2007 Condé Nast Traveler Recommended Travel Specialist for New Zealand
All prices are quoted in US dollars and subject to change without notice.
California Seller of Travel Reg No. 2060868-40 - © Copyright 2001-2008 Active Downunder
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Image Credits: Gareth Eyres, Becky Nunes, Cavalli Beach-House Retreat, Ian Trafford, Hiroshi Nameda, Adventure Films, Arno Gasteiger, Chris McLennan, Huka Lodge, Sofitel, Awaroa Lodge, Rob Suisted, Fay Looney, Gilbert van Reenen, Miles Holden, Rob Brown, & Carrington.