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Bay of Islands Explorer: 6 days Auckland to Auckland

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Operated by Scenic
Tripcode: AU-c591adf96e1bbe7a9
Overview
Destination:
New Zealand
Duration:6 days
Type:Group tour (max 228)
Travel Period
October 2026 - April 2027

Paradise found

Sub-tropical, unspoilt and fascinating; the picturesque Bay of Islands features 144 islands, incredible natural beauty and a whole lot of history.
For those keen to explore a single region of New Zealand, this is the ideal itinerary. Spend time in Auckland, sampling all the experiences on offer from food and wine tasting to sightseeing on the harbour before heading to the Bay of Islands. Wander through giant kauri forests and learn about the history of early pioneers in the Northland region. Choose to cruise around the bay, or visit the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand, the romantic town of Russell. Finish your journey at Cape Reinga, a sacred place where two oceans meet and where an 800-year-old tree stands waiting to help Maori spirits begin their final journey home. By the time you return to Auckland you’ll be deeply moved by the splendour, spirituality and hospitality of this magnificent and mythic region.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
  • Fully escorted smaller group journeys with a maximum of 36 guests
  • Scenic Special Stay in Auckland
  • 3 Scenic Enrich events – unforgettable and exclusive once-in-a-lifetime experiences
  • Your choice of 13 Scenic Freechoice excursions and dining – a choice of included activities to personalise your journey
  • Scenic Sunset Drinks – exclusive evening drinks at Paihia
  • Comprehensive range of included meals – see itinerary for specific inclusions
  • Experienced local Tour Directors to guide and assist
  • Tipping and gratuities included
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Auckland

Kia Ora and welcome to Auckland. World-class activities, island getaways, black sand beaches and exceptional dining mean this sophisticated and adventurous harbour city has something for everyone. Your two-night Scenic Special Stay is in the heart of the city. Celebrate the start of your journey and the wonders ahead at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Please book your flight to arrive into Auckland prior to 05:00 PM.

Day 2 - Auckland

Today, enhance your Auckland visit with your choice of these Scenic Freechoice activities.

Scenic Freechoice:
Auckland Harbour Cruise: Cruise across Auckland Harbour on a leisurely journey offering panoramic views of the skyline, waterfront landmarks, and volcanic islands dotting the horizon. Showcasing major Auckland icons from the water, learn about Auckland’s rich cultural heritage and maritime history from expert live commentary.

The Waiheke Gourmet Food & Wine Tour: Try some of Waiheke Island’s locally produced goods, accompanied by wines from the island. Succulent oysters, award-winning olive oils, honey and cheeses are all a part of this tour.

Waitakere Wilderness Experience: Take a half day guided tour to Auckland’s wild, black sand beaches and the lush rainforest. Leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquillity of the magnificent Waitakere Ranges. Experienced guides tell the story of the forest that covers this land with its unique flora and fauna.

Auckland City Revealed: The Auckland city tour showcases the highlights of Auckland and takes you on a journey of discovery designed to explore the history and the sights, as well as how people in Auckland live and play. This small group tour is Auckland’s only scheduled city sightseeing tour that includes a drive to the top of a volcanic cone.

Flavours of our City Walking tour: A city walking tour of Auckland while learning about its culture and history and tasting some of the delightful sweet and savoury food on offer. Visit a purveyor of artisan products and try award winning cheeses, honey and jams.

All Blacks Experience & Weta Workshop Unleashed: Whether you have an interest in rugby or not, this full sensory, interactive experience allows visitors to connect with New Zealand and Maori art and culture, hear from our legends and gain insights into Kiwi lifestyle, attitude and humour.

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
Choose between a local restaurant , Orbit 360 at Sky City, or dinner at the hotel’s Grand Millennium Brasserie.

Tony’s Original Steak and Seafood Restaurant: Tony’s original Steak and Seafood Restaurant is Auckland’s oldest restaurant, an icon of the dining scene since the early 60’s. Famous for perfectly cooked steaks and tasty seafood, complimented by warm surroundings.

Orbit Restaurant: Orbit offers a modern dining experience in a relaxed, open atmosphere with a delicious New Zealand-inspired à la carte menu that features the best local and seasonal produce. Situated at the top of Auckland’s Sky Tower, the dining room rotates once every hour, providing a truly unique experience with amazing 360° panoramas of the city, the Hauraki Gulf and beyond.

Grand Millennium Ember Restaurant: Situated in Auckland’s city centre at The Grand Millennium hotel, enjoy dinner at the Grand Millennium Ember Restaurant. Admire the warm décor, open design and bold flavours within this relaxed atmosphere.

Day 3 - Auckland > Paihia

Travel north towards the Bay of Islands to the town of Paihia. The ‘Jewel of the Bay Islands’ features golden beaches, a huge variety of water activities and is near the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Visit the Kauri Museum to learn about the history of the local pioneers and their inventive uses for the amazing kauri, “the greatest tree in New Zealand”.

Scenic Enrich
The sense of awe you feel as you see the mighty T-ane Mahuta kauri tree for the first time is unforgettable. Listen to stories from your local Maori guide about the ‘Lord of the Forest’.

Scenic Sunset Drinks
Watch the sunset with a drink on the terrace of your hotel.

Day 4 - Paihia

Elevate your stay in Paihia with your choice of these insightful Scenic Freechoice activities.

Scenic Freechoice:
Darryl’s Lunch Cruise: Cruise the calm inland waterways of Opua and Okiato, passing Omata Estate Vineyard to Kororareka Oyster Farms. Enjoy an included lunch of distinctive New Zealand flavour, whilst taking in the beautiful view of the local landscape with native bush, birdlife and marine wildlife.

Russell Mini-Tour: Experience New Zealand’s past and present on a mini-tour of Russell. Known until the early 1840s as Kororareka, Russell was the first permanent European settlement and seaport in New Zealand. See many of Russell’s iconic locations such as the Christ Church and the historic Pompallier House.

Discover the Bay Cruise: Discover the spectacular scenery in an area that is soaked in rich culture and history and encounter diverse wildlife in their natural surroundings. Visit the iconic ‘Hole in the Rock’ and, if conditions permit, travel through it.

Taste the Bay Tour: Taste the Bay is a unique tour showcasing some of the finest produce that the far north of New Zealand has to offer. Discover and taste locally made avocado oil, Manuka honey, Makana chocolate and local wines.

Day 5 - Paihia

Today, enjoy breakfast in this seaside town before venturing to the very tip of the North Island, Cape Reinga.

Scenic Enrich
Journey to the top of New Zealand – Cape Reinga. Enjoy the thrill of travelling along Ninety Mile Beach and marvel at the immense sand dunes.

Day 6 - Paihia > Auckland

Scenic Enrich
This morning, discover the birthplace of New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a Maori guide. This is considered the most important historical site in the country. Find out why on this meaningful tour.

Afterwards, bid farewell to Paihia as you depart for Whangarei, where you’ll learn first-hand the connection between art and nature at the Hundertwasser Art Centre. On display are works by the eponymous artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser as well as contemporary Maori artists that showcase architecture in harmony with nature and individual creativity.

Arrive back in Auckland where it’s time to bid a fond farewell to your new friends and the wonders of New Zealand.

Please book your flight to depart out of Auckland after 08:30 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Dates

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Travellers

Operator
Scenic

At Scenic, we create exceptional journeys to every corner of the world. You will enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences, indulgent truly all-inclusive luxury, and a world class crew who will ensure every detail is cared for to the Nth Degree. With more than three decades of experience, the loyalty of our Scenic guests reflects our dedication to always placing you at the heart of everything we do. With Scenic, you'll find this is worldwide discovery truly in a class of its own. Across our 5-star luxury river cruises on custom-built Scenic Space-Ships, and 6-star ultra-luxury voyages on board Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yachts™, it is more than taking our guests to exceptional destinations around the world. Our truly all-inclusive philosophy enables our guests to be immersed in their chosen destination, indulge in an unparalleled level of luxury, and relax knowing everything is taken care of.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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$6,266*
per person twin share
5 nights
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