Transport

Private Vehicle

Meals

4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Others

Matapouri Beach - Visit Whangarei Falls - Visit Tutukaka - Poor Knights Islands Day Cruise Waitangi - Treaty Grounds

Guide

All Intrepid group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. In New Zealand your group leader is also your driver, taking you from start to finish in a coaster vehicle. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Our crew are chosen for their driving skills, their knowledge of the country, their personality, and of course their leadership abilities. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it’s the best of both worlds.

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. Hotel (4 nights)

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Flights

Flights are not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Auckland
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Auckland

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.
Day 2 Day 2: Auckland / Tutukaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Auckland / Tutukaka

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!).
Day 3 Day 3: Tutukaka / Paihia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Tutukaka / Paihia

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.
Day 4 Day 4: Paihia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Paihia

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.
Day 5 Day 5: Paihia / Auckland
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Paihia / Auckland

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.

5 days tour

Enchanting Northland

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Enchanting Northland

Day 1: Auckland

Day 2: Auckland / Tutukaka

Day 3: Tutukaka / Paihia

Day 4: Paihia

Day 5: Paihia / Auckland

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