Overview
This small group, fully guided day trip combines the best of both a nature and highlights tour together to form the ultimate Bay of Islands experience.
Highlights:
• Bay of Islands Cruise
• Hole in the Rock
• Wildlife spotting
• Sites of cultural and historical significance
Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Water available & snacks provided
Small Group and Fully Guided Tour
1 night in a 3 star Hotel
Entry to Kauri Museum, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Cruise tickets
Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
Dinner
Breakfast
Lunch
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Please meet in front of the SkyCity Hotel doors , directly under the Sky Tower
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
Hotel Pick ups start 15 minutes before the tour time. Please check your pick up time in tour information to ensure you do not miss your pickup. You will be picked up in a minibus with Cheeky Kiwi Travel sign-writing on it. No refunds given for no show passengers.
What to expect
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Auckland Central
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.
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The Kauri Museum
30 min
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.
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Tane Mahuta Walk
15 min
Continuing north the beautiful scenery continues and our guide will entertain you with interesting information and stories of the area before we enter the majestic Waipoua Forest. As the drive swoops and turns, embraced by New Zealand’s famous ancient forest, we are finally rewarded by the presence of Tāne Mahuta, the Lord of the Forest, and the largest known living kauri tree
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Opononi
30 min
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. -
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
1 hour 30 min
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. -
Paihia
8 hours
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.
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Bay of Islands
4 hours
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. -
Urupukapuka Island
1 hour
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.
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Paihia
5 hours
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.
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Auckland
5 hours
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Pacific/Auckland).
Additional Information
- Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour & Cruise from Auckland
Can I cancel Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour & Cruise from Auckland for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 36 hours.
Where does it start, and is pickup offered?
Please meet in front of the SkyCity Hotel doors , directly under the Sky Tower Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
What's included?
- Water available & snacks provided
- Small Group and Fully Guided Tour
- 1 night in a 3 star Hotel
- Entry to Kauri Museum, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Cruise tickets
- Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
What's not included?
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Which places does it visit?
It visits Auckland Central, The Kauri Museum, Tane Mahuta Walk, Opononi, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Paihia, Bay of Islands, Urupukapuka Island.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel
