Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour & Cruise from Auckland

4.9
(24 reviews)

1 day (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Experience the best of Northland with Cheeky Kiwi Travel on this fully guided Bay of Islands Small Group Overnight Tour, showcasing the region’s stunning scenery, rich Māori heritage, and coastal charm. Designed for flexibility, choose to have your Paihia accommodation arranged for you (twin share with upgrade option) or book your own stay, the choice is yours.

Travel in comfort with a small group and enjoy a relaxed pace, personal attention, and the chance to explore hidden gems that larger tours miss. Our passionate guides bring each stop to life with engaging stories, local insights, and a touch of Kiwi humour.

Highlights include: a Bay of Islands Cruise to the world-famous Hole in the Rock, visits to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Waipoua Forest & Tāne Mahuta, and The Kauri Museum.

Discover the very best of the Far North with a fun, flexible, and premium Cheeky Kiwi experience.

What's Included

Small Group and Fully Guided Tour
1 night twin share in a 3 star hotel (if accommodation option chosen)
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entry to Kauri Museum, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Cruise tickets
Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
Dinner
Breakfast
Lunch
Restroom on board

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

- Pickup offered from listed locations only. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. - If your accommodation is yet to be confirmed, we ask that you select SkyCity Hotel for now. You can update this later! - Pick-ups begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside by this time. - Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance. - Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. To ensure a timely departure, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late guests. - You will receive an email with important pickup information the day prior, please read this information.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 day (approximately)
  • Auckland Central (Pass by)

    Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1

    Exiting Auckland, we travel west and follow the road through the kumara capital of New Zealand, Dargaville. Our first stop sees us visiting the Kauri Museum, to understand the remarkable story of New Zealand’s largest and most famous native tree.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2

    Visit the breathtaking Waipoua Forest, where you can enjoy its serene beauty and learn about the ongoing efforts to protect these natural wonders for future generations.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Enjoy a lunch break at your own cost in the beachside settlement of Opononi with views over the Hokianga Harbour. Opononi was made famous in the mid 1950s by the tame dolphin Opo, who delighted visitors with its friendly antics.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    After enjoying the Hokianga Harbour, we journey further north towards the ‘birthplace of our nation’, Waitangi, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Here we will be treated to a complete guided tour and cultural performance at Aotearoa New Zealand’s most important historic site. Explore New Zealand’s Māori heritage through interactive museums, traditional performances and historic buildings, including the Treaty House and the beautifully carved Whare Rūnanga.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5

    Arrive in the beachside town of Paihia and check into your hotel, before taking a relaxing walk along the beach and ending the day with dinner at a local restaurant.

    8 hours Admission ticket free
  • 6

    After breakfast, we embark on a magical cruise to explore the area’s extensive islands. During the cruise, the guides will share the rich history and natural beauty of the Bay of Islands while we search for the marine life that makes these cruises so famous. With a bit of luck, we might spot some playful doplphins and whales for you to enjoy! The cruise runs for 4.5 hours, taking your on a scenic journey through the Bay of Islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula.

    4 hours Admission ticket free
  • 7

    No Bay of Islands cruise is complete without spending some time at the beach on one of the islands. We’ll be stopping at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where you can swim, stroll along the white sand beach, hike to the top of the hill for scenic views over the entire Bay of Islands, or simply relax at the island’s fully licensed bar and café.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 8

    Sadly after this day in paradise we must start to head south again but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland with secret stops along the way.

    5 hours Admission ticket free
  • Auckland (Pass by)

    As we arrive back into Auckland, our guide will drop you off to your hotel, marking the end of your Bay of Islands tour with us.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

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Tags

Nature and Wildlife Tours
Overnight Tours
Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Walking Tours
Water Tours
Nature Walks
Excellent Quality
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 24 24 reviews
5 stars
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