Jewels of the Bay

4 daysNew Zealand

This adventure may be short, but it’s certainly sweet. Think of it as a travel amuse bouche – a taster to inspire further trips to New Zealand. In just 4 days on this NZ holiday you pack in a lot of attractions, from Auckland’s windswept harbour, dotted with yacht sails, to the gem-like Bay of Islands, its archipelago of subtropical islets ideally explored on a cruise. Wherever this NZ tour takes you, expect a dose of heritage and Māori culture. Discover how and where New Zealand became a member of the Commonwealth and explore the streets of the country’s first European settlement and seaport.

Length: 4 days
Starts and ends: Auckland
Meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Style: Classic
Group size: 48

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Highlights

Included HighlightsGuided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds - MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience Experience a Cultural Performance at Waitangi Treaty Grounds Explore the Bay of Islands, a stunning coastal paradise with golden beaches, and lush islands Visit NZ’s northernmost city of Whangārei
What to bringComfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle Warm layers Camera
Fitness RequirementsLow level of fitness required.
Flight InformationDay 1 – flights to arrive any time into Auckland Airport Day 4 – flights to depart after 7.00pm from Auckland Airport Airport to Hotel transfers are available to purchase on request. Flights to and from your tour are not included in the tour price.

Itinerary

AucklandDay 1
Bay of IslandsDays 2–3
AucklandDay 4

Day 1Welcome to AucklandAuckland

Auckland never fails to turn on the charm, as you’ll discover while exploring the city at your leisure.

Stay: Radisson RED Auckland

Day 2Auckland - Bay of IslandsBay of Islands

Hit the road this morning for a scenic sojourn to the Bay of Islands. This pocket of the country deserves its name – there are more than 140 subtropical islets off the coast here, lined with blissful undeveloped and unpeopled beaches. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical significance; this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs, officially denoting New Zealand as a member of the Commonwealth, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your local specialist at the Treaty Grounds, quite possibly a descendant of one of the original signatories, will explain the importance of the site, while pointing out the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe and a carved meeting house. Enjoy an immersive cultural performance which includes waiata (songs), poi and a traditional haka (war dance).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands

Day 3Bay of Islands Free TimeBay of Islands

If there’s a travel destination that inspires wanderlust, the Bay of Islands is it. Today, trip the light fantastic and head off on an optional experience in whatever direction you please. Perhaps, cruise through the Bay of Islands, glass of New Zealand wine in hand. Or maybe on a mini jaunt around the romantic town of Russell, the country’s first permanent European settlement and seaport. Fun fact: the town’s streets retain their original names and layout from 1843. Ask your Travel Director for touring tips – and places to wine and dine in between. Wherever your NZ holiday takes you today, we recommend finding somewhere special to salute the end of the day – this part of the country is known for its for blazing sunsets.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands

Day 4Bay of Islands - AucklandAuckland

If you’ve never heard of Whangarei, you’re probably not alone. But today, New Zealand’s most northerly city is well and truly on your radar. A place where galleries meet museums, Whangarei is the country in a tantalizing snapshot – a union of nature and forward-thinking culture. Stroll the picturesque Town Basin – before sinking back into your seat for the mesmerizing commute back to Auckland.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels

1 night

Radisson RED Auckland

Hotel

The brand-new Radisson RED, centrally located in the heart of Auckland city. This recently opened hotel offers large, modern guest rooms equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, Nespresso machines, and individual climate control. Hotel facilities include an all-day dining restaurant, fully equipped fitness centre, rooftop bar with city views, laundry services and 24-hour room service.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Business Centre, Gym, Room Service, Concierge

Room Air Conditioning, Iron & ironing board, Non smoking, Mini fridge, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Telephone, Safe, Hairdryer, Wi-Fi

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

2 nights

Copthorne Hotel and Resort

Resort

This welcoming Bay of Islands hotel commands a superb waterfront location in the heart of the Bay of Islands, offering uninterrupted bay views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens as part of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Business Centre, Concierge, Laundry, Pool, Spa

Room TV, Mini fridge, Safe, Iron & ironing board, Telephone, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi

What’s included

Optional experiences

Cape Reinga by Air
Paid on tour
R Tucker Thompson Tall Ship Sailing
Paid on tour
Cape Reinga / Ninety Mile Beach
Paid on tour
Bay Of Islands Tours - Highlights Tour
5 hours
Paid on tour
Hole in the Rock & Russell Mini Tour Combo
Paid on tour
Discover the Bay Cruise w Lunch
270 minutes
Paid on tour

Dates and prices

Per person, twin share

From, per person$1,035

Destinations

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