Bay & Cape

Time to greet the day and begin your adventure! Depart vibrant Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) at midday and make your way north toward picturesque Paihia. On the way, enjoy a lunch stop in Wellsford before heading to Whangārei Falls, where nature’s beauty puts on a show. By late afternoon, you'll arrive in the Bay of Islands, a subtropical gem brimming with history and natural splendour. This breathtaking region features 144 stunning islands, pristine beaches, and a legacy woven deep into Aotearoa’s past. Be sure to visit Waitangi, the legendary site where the nation’s story began. If you are more of a water lover, the options for adventure are endless. Set off on a cruise to the iconic Hole in the Rock and uncover secret coves and island hideaways. Keep a lookout for the marine life dancing beneath the waves. Prefer a more hands-on thrill? Try your hand at sailing, fishing, diving, or parasailing. Or just kick back, dig your toes into golden sands, and soak up the serenity.

Today, venture north to Cape Reinga the northernmost point of mainland New Zealand and a place steeped in Māori spirituality and natural beauty. Along the way, enjoy several stops that offer glimpses into the legends, history, and untouched landscapes of the Far North. Your guide doubles as a storyteller, sharing the powerful tale of the cape as a sacred departure point where, according to Māori tradition, spirits begin their journey to Hawaiki. Once at the top, take in sweeping vistas from the iconic Cape Reinga Lighthouse, and marvel at the clash of oceans, the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Another highlight is the drive along Ninety Mile Beach, where your custom-built coach cruises the coastline beside crashing waves. Conditions permitting, you can feel the sand between your toes and even try your hand at digging for shellfish with the help of your guide. Then, it's off-road and upward as your driver navigates Te Paki Stream towards towering sand dunes. For those feeling adventurous, scaling the dunes offers a thrill and a view worth the climb.

Early this morning we head back to Auckland. On the way we will stop in at Waipu, a small coastal beach town good for surfing, home to cafes and local bars and restaurants. Our stop here is brief, the perfect place to grab a coffee and some food to fuel you for the adventure awaiting in Auckland. From island escapes to cultural discoveries or even just soaking in the skyline, the rest of the day is yours to play with. No pressure, just potential.