Jewels of the Bay

Jewels of the Bay

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Jewels of the Bay

4 Days Starting and ending in Auckland, New Zealand

Visiting: Auckland, Bay of Islands

Tour operator:

Trafalgar

Tour code:

UBOIMM25

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Jewels of the Bay" tour and immerse yourself in the cultural and natural wonders of New Zealand's Bay of Islands. Begin your journey in Auckland, where you'll explore the vibrant city before heading north through Northland's lush landscapes. Discover the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a Local Specialist, and delve into the rich stories of Aotearoa New Zealand. Enjoy the stunning beauty of the Bay of Islands, with opportunities to explore its golden beaches and marine life. Opt for a boat ride to Cape Brett or a historical tour of Russell. Relish in the local cuisine and unwind in the serene surroundings. Conclude your adventure with a scenic return to Auckland, enriched by the tales and traditions of this captivating region. With expert guidance, comfortable accommodations, and delightful meals, this tour promises an unforgettable experience in one of New Zealand's most picturesque locales.

Highlights

  • Explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands with a Local Specialist.

  • View lush farmland scenery of Northland and marine life in the Bay of Islands.

  • Discover the journey of Aotearoa New Zealand's most important historic site.

  • Travel north from Auckland over the Harbour Bridge to the beautiful Bay of Islands.

  • Visit the Te Kongahu Museum of Waitangi for an in-depth cultural experience.

  • Optional boat ride to Cape Brett to see New Zealand's largest sea cave.

  • Stroll along the marina in Whangarei, the northernmost city in New Zealand.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Auckland

Location: Auckland

Accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Britomart

Accommodation Name: Adina Apartment Hotel Britomart

Auckland never fails to turn on the charm, as you’ll discover while exploring the city at your leisure before meeting your Travel Director and fellow adventure seekers for a welcome drink tonight.

Day 2: Depart Auckland For The Bay Of Islands

Location: Bay of Islands

Accommodation: Copthorne Resort

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin your New Zealand island adventure travelling north from Auckland over the Harbour Bridge continuing through Northland's lush farmland of green and blue hills before arriving in the beautiful Bay of Islands, 144 islands dotting the bay with golden beaches. On arrival you’ll start the trip discovering the stories, people, and events that shaped Aotearoa New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. You'll be enlightened by a Local Specialist, who will bring to life the world's largest ceremonial war canoe, the ‘whaka,’ the historic Treaty House, and carved Meeting House. Stand where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 and visit the Carving Studio to meet the carvers and learn about the Māori art of whakairo (wood carving). Then there's time to explore Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience through stewardship of the Waitangi National Trust. Whether you’re from near or far, this in-depth experience will give an appreciation for the stories that have shaped New Zealand at the very spot it was founded. Stay overnight in the jewel of the Bay of Islands, renowned for its secluded bays, warm weather, and buzzing café culture. This evening, get to know your Travel Director and group over dinner, where seafood plucked straight from the ocean is the star of the show, perhaps washed down with delicious New Zealand wine.

Day 3: Bay Of Islands Is All Yours

Location: Bay of Islands

Accommodation: Copthorne Resort

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is all about exploring the enchanting beauty of the Bay of Islands from its signature golden sands, water, and vibrant green hillsides and there are plenty of options to show off all its angles. You could choose an Optional Hole in the Rock boat ride to Cape Brett to see New Zealand's largest sea cave. Cruising through the turquoise waters passing beaches and secluded bays, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, and penguins in this pristine tropical setting. After yesterday’s cultural immersion, you could take it even further with a Russell Mini Tour to learn about the area's historical significance. Take a walk back in time to discover its wild ways as a port town with evidence of its colourful heritage in the historic buildings. After an action-packed day, head to one of the restaurants along the waterfront and raise a glass while watching the sun set on another glorious day in 'The Bay’.

Day 4: Depart Bay Of Islands And Auckland

Location: Auckland

Meals Included: Breakfast

There's no need to rush this morning as you get your final fix of paradise before returning to Auckland. Take a stroll on the beach to set the right tone for your day and enjoy a leisurely coffee, watching this serene seaside haven come to life. Our scenic journey south stops in Whangarei, the northernmost city in New Zealand, where there's time to admire local art and stroll along the marina in the Town Basin. After an independent lunch, continue through the Rodney district and learn about the stories and legends of the people of the land, their special connection to nature, and how they once ruled Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud. Later, enjoy a scenic drive before arriving in Auckland where your memorable encounter with New Zealand's Bay of Islands comes to an end (flights to depart after 7.00pm).

What's Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

    The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

    Accommodation is provided in carefully selected and trusted hotels.

  • Porterage where hotels provide this service

    Porterage is included at hotels where this service is available.

  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

    Daily breakfast and up to half of the evening meals are included in the tour.

  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

    The tour includes must-see sightseeing experiences and surprise extras.

  • All land transport shown. All transfers shown

    All land transportation and transfers as shown in the itinerary are included.

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

    Travel is provided in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.

  • Optional Experiences and free time

    The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.

What's Not Included

  • Optional boat ride to Cape Brett

    The optional boat ride to Cape Brett to see New Zealand's largest sea cave is not included.

  • Independent lunch on Day 4

    Lunch on Day 4 is not included and is to be arranged independently.

Dining Summary

3 Breakfast (B)1 Dinner (D)

Mode of Transport

Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey through New Zealand's stunning landscapes.

Accommodation

Stay at the Adina Apartment Hotel Britomart in Auckland and the Copthorne Resort in the Bay of Islands, offering comfort and convenience with trusted, cherry-picked accommodations.

Check out our Q&As

  • What cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where you will learn about the history of New Zealand with a Local Specialist. You will see the world's largest ceremonial war canoe, the historic Treaty House, and the carved Meeting House. There is also an opportunity to explore the Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional activities such as a boat ride to Cape Brett to see New Zealand's largest sea cave and a Russell Mini Tour to learn about the area's historical significance.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals. Specifically, there are 3 breakfasts and 1 dinner included.

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides all land transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary. It includes travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi available in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.

  • What is the accommodation like during the tour?

    The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted. For example, on Day 1, you will stay at the Adina Apartment Hotel Britomart in Auckland, and on Days 2 and 3, you will stay at the Copthorne Resort in the Bay of Islands.

  • Is there any free time during the tour?

    Yes, there is free time during the tour. For instance, on Day 3, you have the entire day to explore the Bay of Islands at your leisure.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1947

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Renato Arrieta  

Best tour I joined so far

14-Jan-2023

My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
King Ng, Lafayette, California  

Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

08-Nov-2021

It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Egypt

14-Jan-2023

We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Marshal Daguio  

Wonderful Best Of Turkey

06-Nov-2021

It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Barbara, Canada  

Irish Experience

09-Nov-2021

I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Trafalgar allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform trafalgar, 90 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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